Cook

eTeach UK Limited; Shrivenham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational service provider in the UK is seeking a Chef/Cook to join its team at a new school for autistic children. The role involves preparing nutritious meals, menu planning, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have relevant food safety certifications and a passion for providing healthy meals in a supportive environment. This position offers opportunities for career progression and continuous training.

Benefits

Exclusive access to reward scheme

Blue Light discount card

Flexible working

Comprehensive induction

Training and career progression support

Paid for enhanced PVG/DBS

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Certificate in Food or equivalent qualifications required.
• Experience in a catering environment is advantageous.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook balanced meals for staff and pupils.
• Collaborate with staff to create dietary-specific menus.
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Monitor stock levels and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Meal preparation

Menu planning

Food safety compliance

Hygiene standards

Dietary considerations

Education

Level 1 certificate in Food

Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering

Valid food hygiene certificate

Job description

Chef/Cook – Aspris Ridgeway School

Here at Aspris, we are proud to be a leading provider of specialist education services with over 30 schools nationwide. We are recruiting for a Chef/Cook to join us in opening a new school for autistic children and young people. At Aspris Ridgeway School, we will empower pupils to reach their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment. We strive to inspire confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning, ensuring each student thrives both academically and personally.

What will Aspris Ridgeway look like?

Aspris Ridgeway School will be a centre of autism expertise and excellence, educating up to 60 pupils aged 7‑19 with identified autism needs and in receipt of an EHCP. It will be a welcoming school environment with clearly defined specialist therapy and teaching areas, staffed and resourced to meet individual complex needs. A school with strong leadership and governance, a provider of opportunities that engage young people in appropriate learning so they achieve outstanding progress relative to their starting points, and a highly individualised, therapeutic‑based curriculum which prepares pupils with skills for lifelong learning.

Benefits

• Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme
• Blue Light discount card
• Flexible working
• Comprehensive induction
• Commitment to your ongoing training and career progression
• Paid for enhanced PVG/DBS
• Wellbeing support and more!

In this role

You will be responsible for the cooking within the school as well as the menu planning, shopping and adhering to set budgets within the school to deliver healthy, varied and nutritious diets for young people and staff. You will also be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen and associated areas are kept to a high standard of hygiene, including food and equipment storage. You will ideally have a Level 1 certificate in Food, a Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering and a valid food hygiene certificate, although training can be provided if needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook fresh well‑balanced meals for pupils and staff, considering their specific dietary requirements and preferences.
• Collaborate with special education staff to develop interesting and varied menus that accommodate individual dietary restrictions and sensory needs.
• Ensure that all meals are prepared and served in accordance with food safety regulations and best practices.
• Maintain stock levels.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with health & safety policies.
• Foster a positive dining experience for pupils by creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere during mealtimes.

Qualifications

• Level 1 certificate in Food or equivalent.
• Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering.
• Valid food hygiene certificate.

Above all, we provide a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can flourish in your career and feel incredibly rewarded by helping those who need it most. If you want to progress your career, Aspris Children’s Services will help you get there.

Aspris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with the Disclosure & Barring Service and at least two references covering the last three years; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either children or vulnerable adults. Please note that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our Schools.