Assistant Cook - Full-time/Part-time

Sandwich Infant; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading school seeks an approachable and dedicated Assistant Cook to support the Catering Manager in delivering nutritious meals to pupils aged 2-19 with complex needs. This role involves food preparation, maintaining health & safety standards, and supporting a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates will possess a passion for special needs and an NVQ Level 2 in food preparation. Opportunities for further development will be provided.

Benefits

Opportunities for further professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• No specific work experience required but passion for special needs and good food standards beneficial.
• Commitment to safeguarding children and inclusive principles is essential.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression presented.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing nutritious meals and ensure quality and safety standards are met.
• Manage kitchen cleanliness and food hygiene regulations.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager as needed.

Skills

Passion for special needs

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation

Job description

Are you adaptable and looking to support our pupils aged 2 – 19, with severe, profound or complex needs?

An Assistant Cook is required to join our friendly and supportive team for 28.75 hours per week (7.30am-1.15pm, Monday to Friday, term time only) tosupport the Catering Manager in preparing nutritious and healthy meals for pupils, ensuring that the meals are of good quality and to deputise in the Catering Manager’s absence. The kitchen provides around 300 meals daily (including staff and pupils).

Duties and Responsibilities

• To assist the cook in preparing nutritious and healthy home cooked meals for pupils
• Ensuring the quality of the meals
• Managing your work area and kitchen making sure it's always clean and safe
• Receiving stock and ensuring all stock is rotated
• To implement health & safety and food and hygiene regulations
• To deputise in the Catering Manager’s absence
• Washing up and cleaning kitchen and related equipment as directed by the Catering Manager throughout the day with particular emphasis on end of day cleaning procedures and clearing away.
• To ensure all standards are met during the daily service at the school.
• To work with team members to ensure the service is efficient daily.
• Assist in checking and storage of deliveries each week.
• Assist in the preparation, cooking and serving of the daily lunch.
• Cleaning equipment and keeping in good working order including checking freezers and stock regularly
• Generally keeping kitchen and equipment up to Health, Hygiene and Safety levels
• Ensuring kitchen and equipment are ready for a new term.
• To be fully aware of Food Hygiene and Health and Safety legislation and to implement correct procedures in all respects
• To maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and service areas, ensuring COSHH is fully implemented.
• Any other duties as requested by the line manager/SLT.

Successful candidates do not need to have specific work experience but must have apassion for special needs and supporting our pupils and a good knowledge of current food standards would be beneficial. You should be qualified to NVQ Level 2 in food preparation or have previous experience in this role. You will benefit from opportunities for further professional development and career progression as we value and support staff in all aspects of school life. The successful candidate will also have a strong commitment to inclusive principles and be committed to safeguarding children and young people.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Five Acre Wood is committed to the safeguarding of all its pupils, you will therefore be subject to an enhanced disclosure process. As part of our responsibility for safeguarding, in addition to the Kent policy of one employment and one personal reference, the school will request additional employment references.