Lead School Kitchen Chef for SEN School

Simply Education Ltd; Coalville; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd. is recruiting a Chef/Cook for a brand-new specialist SEN school opening in late 2026. You will lead day-to-day kitchen operations, design menus, and ensure safe, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.

You’ll work closely with the School Business Manager to build catering provision from the ground up, handling dietary needs, allergies, and food safety with a proactive, hands-on approach.

Qualifications

• Must hold Level 2 Food Safety in Catering.
• NVQ Level 2 in Cookery or equivalent.
• Experience in a busy kitchen.
• Experience planning balanced and varied menus.
• Knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, COSHH and Natasha's Law.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Positive, flexible and hands-on approach; experience preparing 80+ meals is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals and snacks.
• Create varied seasonal menus, accommodating dietary needs and allergies.
• Cater sensitively for neurodivergent pupils, including ARFID considerations.
• Manage stock levels, deliveries, ordering and portion control.
• Support and lead the wider catering team.
• Maintain high food hygiene standards and cleanliness.
• Complete temperature checks and food safety records.
• Minimise waste and operate within budget.
• Ensure all food preparation follows food safety legislation.

Skills

Food Safety Level 2

NVQ Level 2 Cookery

Busy Kitchen Experience

Menu Planning

Allergy Knowledge

Food Hygiene COSHH Natasha's Law

Under Pressure

Hands-on Attitude

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Cookery

Tools

Food Safety Records

Job description

Simply Education Ltd. is recruiting a Chef/Cook for a brand-new specialist SEN school opening in late 2026. You will lead day-to-day kitchen operations, design menus, and ensure safe, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.

You’ll work closely with the School Business Manager to build catering provision from the ground up, handling dietary needs, allergies, and food safety with a proactive, hands-on approach.