At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, tasty meals that make residents feel at home.
- Company: Join the caring team at Platters Farm Lodge in Rainham.
- Benefits: Earn £12.80 per hour with flexible shifts and training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in people's lives through your cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12.8 - 12.8 £ per hour.
Do you love creating fresh, tasty food that makes people feel at home? If you’re a qualified cook looking for flexible work, a better work-life balance, and the chance to make a genuine difference every day, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. At Platters Farm Lodge in Rainham, Kent, you’ll bring hotel and restaurant-quality standards into a warm, caring environment — without the split shifts and long weeks that often come with hospitality roles. As part of our friendly bank team, you’ll help create nutritious, flavoursome and well-balanced meals, working with residents to tailor menus around their needs, preferences and enjoyment.
We’re looking for warm, motivated and passionate cooks who care about quality, take pride in great food, and understand how much mealtimes can mean to the people we support. If you can help create a welcoming, homely experience for our residents, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a Bank Cook role paid at £12.80 per hour. From time to time, you may also be asked to support as a Bank Catering Assistant, paid at £12.71 per hour, when the service needs extra cover.
If you’re looking for flexible work that feels rewarding, supportive and meaningful, don’t join an agency — come and see what Strode Park Foundation has to offer.
Why join our bank team?
- Flexible working
- You pick the shifts you want to do – days, nights or weekends
- You’ll get comprehensive support from day one
- There’ll be training and development opportunities to develop your skills
What you’ll be doing
As a Bank Cook, you’ll play an important role in making mealtimes enjoyable, safe and meaningful for the people who live at Platters Farm Lodge. You will:
- Ensure residents' dietary needs are met.
- Design menus for residents.
- Liaise with the Registered Home Manager to plan and cost menus.
- Provide a balanced nutritious diet, making the best use of available fresh foods.
- Ensure full compliance with all food hygiene and safety regulations.
From day one, you’ll receive comprehensive support, with training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and feel confident in your role.
About Platters Farm Lodge:
Platters Farm Lodge provides short breaks, respite, rehabilitation and long-stay support for adults in Rainham, Medway. For some people, it is their permanent home. The service offers 24-hour care, including support for people living with dementia, in a vibrant, socially warm and inviting environment for individuals, families and friends.
Because Platters Farm Lodge operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays, we value reliable and flexible colleagues. We’re proud to be a ‘Flex from First’ employer and will consider all requests for flexible working — please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need.
About you
Our ideal Bank Cook will bring enthusiasm, care and confidence to the kitchen, along with:
- Experience of food preparation for up to 50 people in a commercial environment (or preferably a care home setting)
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative and engaging way.
- Knowledge of allergens, and special dietary requirements.
- Knowledge and experience of food hygiene requirements.
Ready to bring your cooking skills to a role where they truly matter? Apply today — we’d love to welcome you to the Strode Park Foundation bank team.
Bank Cook - Platters Farm Lodge in Rainham employer: Strode Park Foundation
At Strode Park Foundation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people with disabilities. Our Footprints home in the serene setting of Stodmarsh, Canterbury, offers a supportive work culture where you will receive comprehensive training and development opportunities from day one. With flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and community, we ensure that our staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Cook - Platters Farm Lodge in Rainham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Strode Park Foundation. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Strode Park Foundation
Don't be shy about reaching out to Strode Park Foundation directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Cook - Platters Farm Lodge in Rainham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Strode Park Foundation and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strode Park Foundation
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
