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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, preparing fresh and nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Grateley House School, a special school dedicated to supporting young people with autism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and 5.6 weeks paid leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy cooking and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for healthy cooking.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 22000 £ per year.
Grateley House School is a special school for children and young people aged 11-19 with a diagnosis of autism and other associated needs.
Location: Grateley House School, Pond Lane, Grateley, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8TA
Salary: £20,652 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week, Term Time Only (39 weeks), plus 5.6 weeks paid leave
Role Overview: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to lead the kitchen at Grateley House School. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, preparing fresh and nutritious meals for students (some with restrictive diets), staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Daily preparation and cooking of meals to a high standard
- Catering for meetings and school events
- Managing a small kitchen team
- Budget and stock control
- Menu planning with attention to dietary needs
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety
- Attending training and supporting compliance
Candidate Profile:
- Proven experience managing a kitchen
- Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety regulations
- Able to cook fresh, healthy meals from scratch
- Creative and up-to-date with food trends
- Team player with strong organisational skills
- NVQ or equivalent in Catering (preferred)
Cambian is committed to safeguarding and protecting the young people and service users within our care. All candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and reference checks. Cambian is an equal opportunities employer. Grateley House School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Cambian will also conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Safeguarding Statement: Cambian Group Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
School Cook employer: The Cambian Group
Contact Detail:
The Cambian Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Grateley House School and understand its values and the specific needs of the students. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a creative menu idea that caters to dietary restrictions. This hands-on approach can really impress the hiring team and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if you can. They can provide insights into the school culture and what it’s like to work there. Plus, a personal connection can sometimes give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Kitchen Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in managing a kitchen. We want to see how you've prepared fresh meals and catered for different dietary needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas: Since we’re looking for someone who’s up-to-date with food trends, share some of your creative menu ideas in your application. This will show us that you can bring something special to our kitchen at Grateley House School.
Keep It Professional but Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share why you’re passionate about cooking for young people and how you can contribute to their well-being through nutritious meals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cambian Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs of the students at Grateley House School. Be prepared to discuss how you would cater to various restrictions and preferences, showcasing your knowledge of nutrition and food trends.
✨Show Off Your Kitchen Skills
Bring examples of your previous work or even a portfolio of menus you've created. This will help demonstrate your creativity and ability to cook fresh, healthy meals from scratch, which is crucial for this role.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a team, handled conflicts, or improved team dynamics in past roles.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on food safety and health regulations before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen, as this is vital for working in a school environment.
