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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while creating exciting menus for students.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leading provider of education for children with special needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, full school holidays, medical cover, and high-street discounts.
- 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.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 21699 - 32499 £ per year.
£26,247 + excellent benefits
Please note, the FTE for this role is £30,220. The successful candidate is expected to work 37 hours per week.
Huge Small Victories
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
Get out what you put in
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
Luxborough Court School is a brand-new, purpose-built school registered for 150 pupils aged 5 – 19 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There is a large sports hall with changing facilities (the site was formally a Premier League football club’s training ground), a bespoke 6th form suite plus a number of other smaller individual spaces used for therapeutic intervention and bespoke support. The School benefits from extensive outdoor space plus a large central courtyard garden in the centre of the school and separate secondary and junior playgrounds, with a multi-use games area.
There are good public transport connections with Chigwell Station less than a mile away, providing Central Line Tube services to London and Essex. The road links are good – the site is located near the M11, Junction 4.
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:
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Training: A full induction and on the job training
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Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
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Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits
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Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
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Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
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Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools
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A 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:
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Have experience catering in a professional setting, but if you’re a competent home cook we’d still like to hear from you
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Ideally have a basic Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate
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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.
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
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Assistant Cook employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of children, especially those with autism and ADHD. Understanding these requirements will help you create menus that are not only nutritious but also appealing to young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for cooking by preparing a few sample dishes that reflect your creativity and ability to cater to diverse tastes. This can be a great conversation starter during any informal meet-ups or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of Witherslack Group on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what it takes to succeed in the role of Assistant Cook.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your experience with food hygiene and safety protocols during any interviews. Highlighting your knowledge in this area will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
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 creating a positive dining experience at the school.
Showcase Your Personality: In your application, convey your friendly and dependable nature. The school values diversity and inclusion, so share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to these principles.
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 the students.
✨Understand Food Hygiene and Safety
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and safety practices. Be prepared to discuss these during the interview, as they are crucial in a school environment. If you have a Food Hygiene Certificate, mention it to show your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Inclusivity
Since the role involves working in a diverse environment, highlight your ability to work well in a team and your understanding of inclusivity. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others and supported individuals from different backgrounds.
