At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while creating exciting menus for young people.
- Company: Join a supportive school dedicated to children with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or a passion for cooking; basic food hygiene knowledge preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 24796 € per year.
Up to £24,796 + Excellent Benefits
Please Note: For this role the candidate is expected to work 08:00 - 13:30, 27.5 hours a week.
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.
Bescot Hall is a purpose-built, brand new, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs but also providing for children with autism who have moderate speech and learning needs. The school provides education for up to 72 children aged 8 to 16.
This new exciting opportunity serves Walsall and the wider communities, you are at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.
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 opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
- A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
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
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 Walsall 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. Our state-of-the-art facility at Bescot Hall not only provides a rewarding opportunity to create nutritious meals for children with special educational needs but also offers comprehensive training, flexible benefits, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us and be part of a diverse team that values individuality and fosters personal growth while enjoying full school holidays and a competitive salary package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Researching the Witherslack Group and understanding their commitment to inclusivity will help you connect with the interviewers. Show them that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up some dishes that reflect the kind of nutritious meals you’d serve at the school. Bring photos or even samples to your interview to showcase your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss dietary needs! Familiarise yourself with common dietary restrictions and how to cater to them. This shows that you’re proactive and considerate, which is key when working with young people who have specific needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of the children.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it can make a difference in our school. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals for young people.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Whether it's professional catering or your skills as a home cook, we want to hear about it! Be sure to mention any food hygiene certifications you have and any specific dietary needs you've catered to in the past.
Be Yourself:We value diversity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique experiences and how they shape your approach to cooking and working with children.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and easily, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the basics of food hygiene and safety. Brush up on your knowledge of dietary requirements and how to create varied menus. This will show that you’re not just a cook, but someone who genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of the young people you'll be serving.
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
During the interview, share your love for cooking and how it can positively impact young people's lives. Talk about any experiences you've had in catering or even at home that highlight your creativity and willingness to try new things in the kitchen.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Since you'll be working in a school environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past, especially in high-pressure situations, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
✨Embrace Diversity
Understand the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, especially when working with children from diverse backgrounds. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an environment where every child feels valued and included, reflecting the ethos of the Witherslack Group.
