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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while supervising a skilled team.
- Company: Join the Witherslack Group, a leader in inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through food and care.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Food Safety qualification and menu planning experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that champions individuality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 25583 £ per year.
Please note: This role is to start in September 2026. £24,796 - £25,583 + excellent benefits (salary to be pro rata'd).
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 supervise a skilled team and plan nutritious menus for our young people. You’ll also need to make sure that the school meets food hygiene regulations and nutritional standards. Being a cook in charge at our schools means you’ll get to build fantastic relationships with all of our staff and young people, by doing what you do best.
Opening in Autumn term 2026, Ardenwood School will operate as the primary campus of The Secret Garden School, an all-through school, spanning primary and secondary across two sites. Ardenwood is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art primary campus and will cater for up to 40 pupils with a wide range of needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Coventry and the wider communities; you are at the heart of its development.
Our aim is to ensure that every pupil will continue to receive an outstanding educational experience, with individual progress, care and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
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 a Level 3 qualification in Food Safety in Catering (or equivalent)
- Be organised and have the ability to plan menus
- Have experience budgeting for each meal and ordering in bulk
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. 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.
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.
School Cook (Coventry) employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook (Coventry)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and catering sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a school cook position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer at local schools or community kitchens to gain experience and show your passion for cooking and working with young people. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to menu planning and food safety. We want you to shine, so think about how you can demonstrate your skills and experience in a way that resonates with the school's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about our schools right there.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook (Coventry)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and how it connects to our mission. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals for young people.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Level 3 qualification in Food Safety in Catering or any equivalent certifications. We want to know you’re up to speed with food hygiene regulations and can keep our kitchen running smoothly.
Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully planned menus and managed budgets in the past. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping everything on track!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about nutritious menu ideas that would suit the diverse needs of the students. Being able to discuss specific meals and how they meet dietary requirements will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Skills
As a school cook, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, whether in a kitchen or another setting. Highlight your ability to motivate others and create a positive working environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene regulations and nutritional standards relevant to schools. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your cooking practices. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality in food preparation.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the diverse backgrounds of the students, think about how you can cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Be prepared to talk about your experience with inclusivity in meal planning and how you can make every student feel valued through food.
