Cook

Shaftesbury; Bromley; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in Bromley is seeking a caring and reliable Cook to prepare nutritious meals for students with complex learning needs. In this fulltime role, you will focus on ensuring that all dietary requirements are met while fostering a collaborative and safe kitchen environment. The successful candidate should embody patience and enthusiasm, with a commitment to promoting student independence and well-being. Join a team dedicated to making a positive impact on young people's lives.

Benefits

Excellent career prospects

Training opportunities

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing healthy meals for students with various dietary needs.
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen management.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and with students.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements of students.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Plan menus cost-effectively while minimizing waste.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Food safety compliance certification

Health and safety qualification

Job description

Exceptio nal P eople Deserve Exceptional Staff

Nash College, part of Shaftesbury a Christian charity, is a thriving successful College; providing specialist day and residential education for 80 students, aged 19 to 25 with a range of complex learning needs and physical disabilities. Working at Nash offers you excellent career prospects and training opportunities. We also offer excellent holidays, as well as a pension plan.

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a difference through food? Are you motivated to produce meals that really make a difference?

We are looking for a fulltime, caring and reliable Cook to prepare healthy and nutritious meals for our students who have a range of complex learning needs, including those with complex dietary needs. Our students’ dietary needs include : In this role, you will lead on preparing safe, enjoyable, and nutritious meals for our students, ensuring their dietary needs are safely met with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to promoting independence wherever possible.

You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of catering, ensuring the safe preparation and serving of enjoyable, and nutritious meals for our students. Your role will focus on meeting individuals’ dietary needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Together alongside your colleagues as a team, you will foster a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to delivering high quality provision for students with special and complex educational needs, helping them thrive both physically and socially.

This is truly rewarding opportunity and is an exciting opportunity to join our team, where your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of young people. You will play a key part in promoting their health, wellbeing and independence, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values professional growth.

The successful candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to encouraging independence wherever possible. You will bring enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy, along with a genuine passion for supporting students. A calm, adaptable approach and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of students and staff.
• Adapt menus to support medical, cultural, sensory, and allergy-related dietary requirements.
• Prepare meals in appropriate textures (e.g., soft, puréed) for students with swallowing or sensory difficulties (dysphasic).

Menu Planning

• Create weekly menus that follow nutritional guidelines and college policies.
• Work with the all colleagues to design meals that support students’ individual needs.
• Plan cost‑effective menus while minimising food waste.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen at all times.
• Follow all food hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP procedures, allergy protocols).
• Ensure safe storage, handling, and rotation of stock (FIFO).

Supporting Students (Where Applicable)

• Assist students in life‑skills or catering classes by demonstrating safe food preparation techniques.
• Encourage independence and confidence in learners with SEND when taking part in kitchen‑related activities.
• Provide a calm, supportive environment that accommodates students’ sensory or behavioural needs.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with teaching staff, pastoral staff, and support workers to understand learners’ needs.
• Communicate effectively about dietary changes, allergies, or concerns.
• Liaise with suppliers and ensure deliveries meet quality standards.

Compliance & Record‑Keeping

• Keep accurate records of temperatures, cleaning schedules, and allergy management.
• Follow safeguarding practices, including awareness of vulnerable learners.
• Adhere to college policies, including health & safety and equality & diversity.

Kitchen Management

• Monitor stock levels and place orders as needed.
• Oversee the use and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Ensure safe working practices for yourself and anyone entering the kitchen (including learners).

Qualifications

• Qualified health and safety and food hygiene
• Knowledge of food safety compliance
• Awareness of differing dietary requirements (training can be provided)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good communication skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to student safety

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to live healthy lives.
• Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.

Application Process

Job Description and Application Form on request please contact : GuiGui Mawete [e-mail]

Closing date: 09 / 01 / 2025

Interview Dates: 12 / 01 / 2025

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.