At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and cook nutritious meals for students while managing a small team.
- Company: Join a leading specialist school dedicated to supporting autistic children.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, wellbeing support, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through healthy eating.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food certificate and food safety knowledge preferred.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with a supportive team and great career growth.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
In this role, you will be responsible for menu planning, ordering stock, cooking, food service and the line management of a small team of catering assistants. You will adhere to set budgets within the school to deliver healthy, varied and nutritious diets for young people and the staff which comply with Government Healthy Eating in Schools expectations.
In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen and associated areas are kept to a high standard of hygiene, including food and equipment storage and that all compliance requirements are met and maintained to a high standard. You will ideally have a Level 2 certificate in Food, Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering and a valid food hygiene certificate. Training will be provided on Aspris systems and procedures.
As the school's Chef/Cook you will be required to:
- Plan, prepare, and cook fresh well-balanced meals for pupils and staff, considering their specific dietary requirements and preferences.
- Collaborate with special education staff to develop interesting and varied menus that accommodate individual dietary restrictions and sensory needs whilst maintaining Government Healthy Eating expectations.
- Ensure that all meals are prepared and served in accordance with food safety regulations and best practices.
- Maintain stock levels.
- Maintain accurate records in accordance with health & safety policies.
- Foster a positive dining experience for pupils by creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere during mealtimes.
Above all, we provide a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can flourish in your career and feel incredibly rewarded by helping those who need it most. Aspris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service and at least 2 references that cover the last 3 years; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults. Please be advised that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our Schools.
Tadley Court School is a specialist school and has an Ofsted rating of Good with Outstanding features. Our school is set in a beautiful semi‑rural location with four acres of well‑maintained grounds. We are a day school specialising in the education and care of children and young people between the age of 4 and 19 years who all have a formal Autism diagnosis and either SLD or MLD. We are proud of our career progression routes and we attract professionals who are willing to contribute to our sustained success whilst embracing our family‑ethos. The school has benefited from significant development which is due to continue into the new academic year.
Here at Aspris, we are proud to be a leading provider of specialist education services with over 30 schools nationwide. We are recruiting for a Chef/Head Cook to join us at our school for autistic children and young people.
Benefits:
- Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme.
- Blue Light discount card.
- Comprehensive induction.
- Commitment to your ongoing training and career progression.
- Paid for enhanced PVG/DBS.
- Wellbeing support.
- Cycle to work scheme and more!
Cook in Tadley employer: Tadley Court School
Contact Detail:
Tadley Court School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Tadley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Tadley Court School and understand their mission in supporting children with autism. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and menu planning! Since you'll be responsible for creating nutritious meals, consider preparing a few sample dishes that align with healthy eating guidelines. Bring these along to your interview to showcase your culinary creativity and commitment to healthy diets.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni! Reach out to people who have worked at Aspris or similar schools. They can provide insider tips on what the interviewers are looking for and share their experiences, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Aspris site. This not only streamlines the process but also shows your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Plus, it’s easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Tadley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create healthy, delicious meals for young people. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a positive impact in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant skills, like menu planning and food safety knowledge, and how they align with our mission at Aspris. This shows us that you really understand what we're looking for!
Keep It Professional but Friendly: While we love a casual vibe, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and check for any typos or errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in a kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tadley Court School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various dietary requirements and how to create balanced meals. Be ready to discuss how you would plan menus that cater to different needs while adhering to government guidelines.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Since hygiene is crucial in a kitchen environment, brush up on food safety regulations and best practices. Be prepared to explain how you maintain high standards of cleanliness and compliance in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
As a Cook, you'll be managing a small team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to foster a positive atmosphere during mealtimes.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s approach to nutrition and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.