Assistant Cook

Witherslack Group; Banbury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and induction

Full school holidays

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing resources

Medical cover

Excellent facilities

£1,000 referral bonus

Job summary

Witherslack Group is recruiting a school cook at Chilworth House Upper School (Y7-11). The role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals to pupils and staff, while following hygiene and safety rules and planning meals with dietary needs in mind.

The position is 32 hours per week, with a September 2026 start date and a salary of £18,626 per year (FTE £24,796). Benefits include induction, school holidays, and supportive working environment.

Qualifications

• Experience catering in a professional setting.
• Basic Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate.
• Hard working, friendly and dependable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve tasty, nutritious meals for students, staff and visitors.
• Follow food hygiene rules and health and safety guidelines; plan meals considering dietary requirements.

Skills

Catering experience

Food Hygiene basics

Reliable and friendly

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Description

£18,626 (FTE £24,796)

Please note that the successful candidate will be expected to work 32 hours per week. Looking for someone to be able to start in September 2026, so shortlisting will be completed in August.

Chilworth House Upper School (Y7-11)

Huge Small Victories

Being a cook in our school means being part of something big. Youll 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

Youll 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. Youll help plan meals, taking into account any specific dietary requirements.

One of the best environments in SEND

Our idea is that every student who comes to us will soar. No matter what their past, this will be the school where they lift off and rise to the heights we know they can achieve.

Even the schools logo, a bird soaring high, illustrates the aspiration for every pupil and upon joining each young person is encouraged to aim high and begin their journey to both academic and personal achievement. The schools extensive grounds, highly resourced classrooms and vocational centre offers the perfect environment for young people to enjoy and this was recently recognised by Ofsted with a rating of Good.

What we do for you

We know youre 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, youll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people plus youll get:

• Training: A full induction and on the job training

• Holiday: Youll work hard at WG, so youll be rewarded with full school holidays

• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance check out our benefitshere

• 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 check out our schoolshere

• 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 were looking for
will:

• Have experience catering in a professional setting, but if youre a competent home cook wed still like to hear from you

• Ideally have a basic Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate

• Be hard working, friendly and dependable

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. Were 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, well be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, were 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.