School Chef - Specialist Education

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; Sur place; GBP 26 000 - 29 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd is recruiting a Chef/Cook for a brand-new specialist school opening in late 2026 in Coalville. You will lead the catering team, plan seasonal menus, and ensure safe, high-quality meals for students and staff.

The role is 40 hours per week, term-time only, permanent and starting ASAP. You will work with the School Business Manager to deliver nutritious meals, manage stock within budget, and maintain high hygiene and safety standards in a supportive, inclusive

Qualifications

• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering.
• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles.
• NVQ Level 2 in Cookery.
• Experience creating balanced menus promoting healthy eating.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong literacy, numeracy and communication (GCSE standard).
• Calm under pressure; respond quickly in emergencies.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, COSHH and food hygiene.
• Understanding of Natasha's Law.

Responsabilités

• Plan and develop varied, seasonal menus within budget.
• Prepare meals to a high standard, considering dietary needs.
• Assist with stock orders, deliveries and stock levels.
• Lead Catering Department in the absence of the SBM.
• Minimise waste through planning and production.
• Work as a team to prepare and order ahead of schedule.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and confidently.
• Maintain records of production, consumption and wastage.

Connaissances

Natasha's Law understanding

Team leadership

Formation

Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles

NVQ Level 2 in Cookery

Desirable: Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety

Desirable: 80+ meals experience

Description du poste

Chef / Cook – Specialist School

Location: Coalville

Salary: £25,783.52 – £28,874.69 (depending on qualifications and experience) £14.43 – £16.16 per hour

Hours: 40 hours per week, Term Time Only

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date: ASAP

A brand-new specialist school is opening in late 2026 , and we are looking for an experienced and skilled Chef/Cook to lead the Catering Team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a brand new provision and be part of something truly transformative.

The school will be a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious hub for children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and Communication and Interaction differences. With capacity for 120 students (across three sites, our vision is to create a safe, enriching and aspirational environment where every learner can thrive.

The Role

Working closely with the School Business Manager, you will lead the catering provision and produce bespoke, high quality meals and snacks for students and staff. You'll plan creative menus, champion fresh ingredients, and ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in line with all legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and develop varied, seasonal menus in consultation with the School Business Manager, using locally sourced fresh ingredients wherever possible and working within budget.
• Prepare food to a high standard, following menu plans and considering dietary requirements, allergies, portion control and presentation.
• Assist with ordering stock, checking deliveries and maintaining appropriate stock levels.
• Manage the Catering Department in the absence of the School Business Manager, leading by example with a positive, flexible and enthusiastic working style.
• Minimise food waste through effective planning and production.
• Work collaboratively as a team to complete food preparation and ordering ahead of schedule.
• Demonstrate safe and confident use of all kitchen equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of production, consumption and wastage, producing monthly reports for the School Business Manager.
• Implement and adhere to cleaning schedules to ensure the kitchen, dining and ancillary areas meet the highest hygiene standards.
• Ensure the Catering Department operates efficiently within budgetary targets.
• Monitor food stock levels daily and communicate any shortages promptly.
• Support termly and end of year physical stock takes.
• Safely operate all kitchen equipment and chemicals (training provided).
• Complete all legally required food safety checks, including fridge/freezer temperatures and hot/cold holding temperatures.
• Undertake duties flexibly and support wider school operations when required.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles
• NVQ Level 2 in Cookery
• Experience preparing balanced menus that promote healthy eating and variety
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Strong literacy, numeracy and communication skills (GCSE standard)
• Ability to remain calm and respond quickly in an emergency
• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, manual handling and food hygiene procedures
• Understanding of Natasha's Law

Desirable

• Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering
• Recent experience preparing 80+ meals in a commercial kitchen

Personal Qualities

• Able to interact effectively with neurodivergent young people
• Confident using neuro?affirmative language and following SLT guidance around food choices and diet, supporting students with ARFID and eating disorders
• Enthusiastic, committed and flexible approach
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

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