School Chef

Nub News; Coalville; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Education is supporting an exciting new specialist school in Leicestershire and seeks a dedicated Chef/Cook to plan, prepare and serve healthy meals for pupils aged 5-19 with SEMH and complex needs. You will ensure high standards of hygiene, allergen awareness and nutritional balance throughout the school day.

Working with the School Business Manager, you'll develop seasonal menus, manage stock and budgets, supervise kitchen staff, and maintain accurate records to meet safeguarding and food

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification.
• Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualification.
• Experience working within a commercial kitchen environment.
• Experience planning balanced and nutritious menus.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene legislation and health & safety requirements.
• Knowledge of allergen management and Natasha's Law.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and work to deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• A genuine commitment to supporting young people with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks for students and staff.
• Develop creative seasonal menus using fresh ingredients wherever possible.
• Cater for specialist dietary requirements, allergies, and individual food needs.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation and service.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, and inventory control.
• Minimise food waste and maximise budget efficiency.
• Lead by example within the catering team and support colleagues when required.
• Maintain accurate records relating to food safety, temperatures, stock, and wastage.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures.
• Oversee the cleanliness and organisation of kitchen, dining, and storage areas.
• Support a positive and inclusive dining experience for neurodivergent young people.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Organisational skills

Time-management

Allergen management

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering

Level 2 Hospitality and Catering

Job description

Chef/Cook - Specialist SEN School Coalville, Leicestershire

Salary: £14.43 - £16.16 per hour (£25,783 - £28,874 pro rata) – Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term Time Only – Hours: 40 hours per week – Start Date: ASAP

Be Part of Something New and Make a Difference Every Day

Reed Education is supporting an exciting new specialist school due to open in Leicestershire, providing education and support for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and communication and interaction difficulties.

The Role

As Chef/Cook, you will be responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering healthy, balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen management. Working closely with the School Business Manager, you will take pride in creating varied seasonal menus that cater to a range of dietary, sensory, and nutritional needs, ensuring every student has access to enjoyable and nutritious food throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks for students and staff
• Develop creative seasonal menus using fresh ingredients wherever possible
• Cater for specialist dietary requirements, allergies, and individual food needs
• Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation and service
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, and inventory control
• Minimise food waste and maximise budget efficiency
• Lead by example within the catering team and support colleagues when required
• Maintain accurate records relating to food safety, temperatures, stock, and wastage
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures
• Oversee the cleanliness and organisation of kitchen, dining, and storage areas
• Support a positive and inclusive dining experience for neurodivergent young people

About You

We're looking for a passionate and organised catering professional who enjoys working in a school environment and understands the important role food plays in supporting children's wellbeing and development.

Successful applicants are likely to have:

• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification
• Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualification
• Experience working within a commercial kitchen environment
• Experience planning balanced and nutritious menus
• Strong understanding of food hygiene legislation and health & safety requirements
• Knowledge of allergen management and Natasha's Law
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and work to deadlines
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
• A genuine commitment to supporting young people with additional needs

Safeguarding Commitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.