School Cook

Fair Ways; Eling; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday accrual scheme

Health cash plan

Education Grant up to master’s level

Wellbeing initiatives and staff awards

Blue Light Card eligibility

Pension scheme

Job summary

Fair Ways is seeking a school cook at our Totton autism school to plan, prepare and serve a nutritious lunch for up to 20 students. You will work Monday to Thursday, 3 hours per day, supporting dietary and allergy needs while maintaining high hygiene standards.

The role involves meal planning with budget-conscious procurement, accurate record keeping, and contributing to a safe, supportive learning environment. DBS is required; UK right to work necessary.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and best practices.
• Practical skills for basic building maintenance and porterage duties.
• Ability to maintain records and information as required.
• Experience planning and coordinating meals or similar kitchen duties.

Responsibilities

• Plan a range of meals for up to 20 students and assist with budget management and procurement.
• Prepare and produce a daily one-course lunch Mon–Thu with fresh ingredients and varied rotation.
• Serve meals to students, accommodating dietary, sensory and allergy needs while prioritising health and safety.
• Clear down and clean kitchen equipment, utensils and surfaces and maintain food hygiene compliance.
• Monitor supplies and manage stock with quality controls to minimise waste and ensure availability.
• Support a compassionate, trauma‑informed community that embraces learning.
• Work four days per week (Mon–Thu), 3 hours per day, 40 weeks per year.

Skills

Health & Safety knowledge

General maintenance & porterage

Record keeping & data management

Food preparation planning

Education

Level 2 or equivalent qualification for cleaning equipment

Job description

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering fostering, education, residential and family services and caring for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year. We are a team that cares about each other and is committed to making a change in the lives of the young people and service users in our care.

Where and when do we need you?

To support the exciting expansion of Fair Ways education provision, we are looking for a school cook to work as part of our team at our specialist Autism School (GLADE) located in Totton. This role requires an enthusiastic, reliable and well‑motivated person to plan, prepare and produce consistent, high‑quality lunchtime meals, supporting pupils with specific dietary, sensory or medical requirements and contributing to their wellbeing, readiness to learn, and daily routine.

• Planning and Preparation – Responsible for planning a range of meals for up to 20 students, working with the Head of School to ensure budget management and timely procurement of supplies.
• Cooking and Creativity – Prepare and produce a suitable one‑course lunch each day (Mon‑Thurs) using fresh ingredients and maintaining variety through regular rotation.
• Food Service and Support – Serve food to students, ensuring appropriate portion sizes and accommodating dietary, sensory and allergy needs, prioritising health and safety.
• Cleaning and Health & Safety – Clear down and clean all kitchen equipment, utensils and surfaces, maintaining compliance with food hygiene regulations and keeping daily cleaning logs.
• Stock Management – Monitor supplies and manage stock through documented quality controls to minimise food waste and ensure availability.
• Community Support – Support a compassionate, resilient and trauma‑informed community that embraces learning.

Successful candidates will work 4 days per week (Monday‑Thursday) for 3 hours each day over 40 weeks of the year. An enhanced Disclosure (DBS) is required; the cost will be met by Fair Ways. Fair Ways cannot provide visa sponsorship, and all applicants must prove right to work in the UK.

You and your specialisms

Required

• Level 2 or equivalent qualification for use of chemicals and cleaning equipment (must be passed on day 1 in post if not already obtained).
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety considerations and relevant legislation.
• Practical skills for general building maintenance, minor repairs and porterage duties.
• Ability to maintain records, information and data as required.

Let us look after you!

• Opportunity to participate in staff lotteries with prizes, including holiday vouchers and luxury hampers.
• Work‑life balance through a Holiday Accrual Scheme and the option to purchase up to five additional days.
• Health and Support benefits such as a health cash plan, Employee Assistance Scheme, early pay option and access to counseling services.
• Growth and Development support through an Education Grant covering accreditation up to master’s level and leadership courses.
• Wellbeing initiatives including team‑building days, festivals, discounted gym memberships and a cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Recognition through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards, a pension scheme and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive community that embraces diversity and inclusive culture.
• Benefits may vary depending on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and help shape brighter futures at Fair Ways.