Cook

Keys Children; Colchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NEST enhanced pension scheme

Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Blue light discount card

Fully funded training and quals forall

Enhanced pay scales

Employee wellbeing app and discounts

Life assurance

Job summary

Lexden Hall School in Colchester is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for pupils and staff, supporting health and wellbeing within a SEMH and Autism provision. You will maintain hygiene to HACCP and COSHH standards, manage menu sheets, stock control, and ensure meals meet dietary and allergy requirements, in a safeguarding-focused environment.

The role is with Keys Education, offering ongoing funded training and development within a supportive network that values

Qualifications

• A committed and passionate view of students with SEND.
• Experience of working in a school environment, preferred but not necessary.
• This vacancy is open to a specialist with Food Hygiene Qualifications or Equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the cleanliness of the kitchen and other designated areas throughout the house
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene by adhering to company policies and procedures including HACCP and COSHH
• Other duties involved will be food preparation (well-balanced dinners adhering to dietary and allergy requirements), completing and updating menu sheets, stock control, regular checks and monitoring or upkeep of appliances

Skills

School experience

Food hygiene qualifications

Commitment to SEND

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Colchester

Purpose of the Role

To prepare and serve nutritious, balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of pupils and staff, supporting their health and wellbeing. The Cook will embody the EPIC values and adhere strictly to the Staff Code of Conduct, contributing to a safe, respectful, and nurturing school environment.

At Lexden Hall School

Lexden will be shortly opening their doors! This will be a specialist SEMH and Autism provision for pupils across Key Stages 2 to 4, with a focus on those who have experienced school-based trauma, present with EBSNA profiles, or simply need something slightly different to help them reengage with education.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the cleanliness of the kitchen and other designated areas throughout the house
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene by adhering to company policies and procedures including HACCP and COSHH
• Other duties involved will be food preparation (well-balanced dinners adhering to dietary and allergy requirements), completing and updating menu sheets, stock control, regular checks and monitoring or upkeep of appliances

Requirements

• A committed and passionate view of students with SEND
• Have experience of working in a school environment, preferred but not necessary
• This vacancy is open to a specialist with Food Hygiene Qualifications or Equivalent

Benefits of Joining Keys

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

More can be found about Keys and our Therapeutic Education Services here

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a

significant number of suitable applications.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.