At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while creating exciting menus for students.
- Company: Join Dovetree School, a Good-rated specialist school in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
- Benefits: Enjoy full school holidays, medical cover, and high-street discounts.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering is preferred; home cooks are also welcome to apply.
The predicted salary is between 19800 - 20700 £ per year.
Please note: interviews will be held 25/09/2025
Huge Small VictoriesBeing 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
Get out what you put inYou’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 SENDDovetree School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education. Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, the school is rated Good by Ofsted, and meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Heath (SEMH) needs, alongside a range of other associated conditions.
What we do for youWe 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 – check out our benefits here
Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing
tools and advice including employee assistanceMedical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
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.
For a full job description and person specification, please click here.
To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.
To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the \'Parents and Carers\' section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here.
Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD
Assistant Cook in Leicester employer: Witherslack Group
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. Located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, our school provides not only competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits but also opportunities for professional growth through training and development. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values individuality and fosters a culture of respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements that may be present in a school setting. Understanding allergies and dietary restrictions will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to creating inclusive meal plans.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the school’s ethos and values, especially their focus on diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can make a strong impression during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous cooking experiences, whether professional or home-based. Highlight any creative menu ideas you've implemented or how you've adapted recipes to cater to different needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for working with young people, particularly those with special educational needs. Be ready to share examples of how you've engaged with children or young adults in a supportive and encouraging manner.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Cook position. Highlight key skills such as food hygiene knowledge and experience in catering.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, especially in professional cooking or catering. Include any certifications like a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate, and emphasise your ability to create varied menus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and working with young people. Mention your understanding of dietary needs and how you can contribute to a positive dining experience at the school.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and how it can positively impact young people's lives. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and how you enjoy introducing new flavours to others.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Whether it's professional catering or home cooking, be ready to discuss your experience in the kitchen. Mention specific dishes you've prepared and how you've catered to dietary requirements, as this will demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of diverse students.
✨Understand Food Hygiene and Safety
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and safety practices, as these are crucial in a school environment. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, and mention any certifications you may have.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Working in a school kitchen requires collaboration with staff and communication with students. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team and how you engage with others, especially in a diverse setting.
