At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while creating exciting menus for young people.
- Company: Join a purpose-built school dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, and excellent wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering preferred, but passionate home cooks are welcome to apply.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all team members.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 25000 £ 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.
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.
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, 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.
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
- Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities
- 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.
Locations
Assistant Cook in Chigwell, Essex employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook in Chigwell, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Luxborough Court School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment for the students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that showcase your creativity and ability to cater to different dietary needs. Bring some photos or even a sample to your interview to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Highlight your experience working with others in a kitchen setting. They want to see that you can collaborate effectively and bring out the best in your colleagues while serving the students.
✨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 our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook in Chigwell, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's professional or just whipping up meals at home. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any catering experience you have, even if it’s from home. If you’ve got a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate, don’t forget to include that too! We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we’re looking for. Use similar language and phrases to show us you understand what it means to be part of our team at Luxborough Court School.
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 info you need about the role and our amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Familiarise yourself with various dietary requirements and how to create menus that cater to them. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just a cook, but someone who understands the importance of nutrition for young people.
✨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 convey your dedication to providing tasty and nutritious meals, which is key for this role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Working in a school kitchen means collaborating with others. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked as part of a team in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a positive working environment, as this aligns with the school's values.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school’s approach to meal planning or how they incorporate feedback from staff and students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.