School Cook

CareTech Group; Grateley; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider is looking for a skilled Cook to manage the kitchen at Grateley House School. You will prepare nutritious meals, handle catering for school events, and ensure food safety. Ideal candidates will have kitchen management experience and a strong understanding of food safety regulations. This role is essential in supporting children with various dietary needs, and offers a permanent contract with 30 hours of work weekly during term times, plus paid leave.

Benefits

5.6 weeks paid leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a kitchen is essential.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety regulations required.
• Must be able to cook fresh, healthy meals from scratch.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals daily to a high standard.
• Cater for meetings and events at the school.
• Supervise a small kitchen team.
• Handle budget and stock control.
• Plan menus considering dietary needs.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.

Skills

Experience managing a kitchen

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Ability to cook fresh meals from scratch

Organisational skills

Creativity and knowledge of food trends

Education

NVQ or equivalent in Catering

Job description

Job Title : Cook

Location : Grateley House School, Pond Lane, Grateley, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8TA

Salary : £17,701.72 per annum

Contract Type : Permanent, 30 hours per week, Term Time Only (39 weeks), plus 5.6 weeks paid leave

The Cambian Group is the UK’s largest provider of specialist education and care services. Grateley House School is a special school for children and young people aged 11-19 with a diagnosis of autism and other associated needs.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to lead the kitchen at Grateley House School. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, preparing fresh and nutritious meals for students (some with restrictive diets), staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily preparation and cooking of meals to a high standard
• Catering for meetings and school events
• Managing a small kitchen team
• Budget and stock control
• Menu planning with attention to dietary needs
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety
• Attending training and supporting compliance

Candiate Profile

• Proven experience managing a kitchen
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety regulations
• Able to cook fresh, healthy meals from scratch
• Creative and up-to-date with food trends
• Team player with strong organisational skills
• NVQ or equivalent in Catering (preferred)

Cambian is committed to safeguarding and protecting the young people and service users within our care. All candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and reference checks. Cambian is an equal opportunities employer.

Grateley House School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Cambian will also conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.