At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious, nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a leading specialist school dedicated to diverse educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, full school holidays, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and individuality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or a passion for cooking is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Being a cook in our school means being part of something big. You’ll be working at the heart of the school, preparing and serving tasty, nutritious food to our young people, staff and visitors.
You’ll be expected to follow food hygiene rules and keep health and safety in mind, but the key is to create varied menus that encourage our young people to try new food. You’ll help plan meals, taking into account any specific dietary requirements.
One of the best environments in SEND Hartwell School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education, based in Stockton-on-Tees. The school meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside a range of other associated conditions. The recent Ofsted rating of Good has established the school as one of the leading specialist provisions in the North East.
What we do for you
We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:
- Training: A full induction and on the job training
- Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
- Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
- Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
- Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
- Recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
Bring your whole-self to work
Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves.
The kind of person we’re looking for will:
- Have experience catering in a professional setting, but if you’re a competent home cook we’d still like to hear from you
- Ideally have a basic Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate
- Be hard working, friendly and dependable
Interested in joining us? At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference – especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.
By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Assistant Cook in North East employer: Witherslack Group Ltd.
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. As an Assistant Cook at our Stockton-on-Tees school, you'll enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and generous holiday allowances, all while working in beautiful facilities that foster creativity and collaboration. We celebrate diversity and provide numerous wellbeing resources, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Hartwell School and its values. Understanding their mission will help you connect your passion for cooking with their commitment to supporting young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance, share some ideas for varied menus that cater to different dietary needs. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with the students and make food fun.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insights about the school culture and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of our young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's professional or just whipping up meals at home. We want to see that you're excited about creating tasty and nutritious food for our young people.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Being part of our school means working closely with others, so make sure to mention any teamwork experiences. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues or helping out in community events, we want to know how you can contribute to our friendly environment.
Emphasise Your Attention to Detail:Food hygiene and safety are super important in our kitchen. In your application, talk about any relevant certifications you have, like a Food Hygiene Certificate, and share examples of how you ensure cleanliness and safety in your cooking practices.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Take a moment to read through our job description and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. Personalising your application shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to think about what kind of meals you could prepare for the students. Research nutritious options that cater to various dietary needs. This shows your creativity and commitment to providing healthy food.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene
Make sure you're familiar with food hygiene rules and safety practices. If you have a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate, mention it! If not, consider getting one or at least reading up on the basics to demonstrate your commitment to safety.
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through. Share stories about your experiences in the kitchen, whether professional or personal. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in making a difference through food.
✨Embrace Diversity
Since the school values diversity, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive environment. Think about how you can engage with students from different backgrounds and how you can encourage them to try new foods.
