School Cook

Woodside Park School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking educational institution as a School Cook, where you will lead the kitchen team in delivering high-quality meals. This exciting role offers the chance to innovate menu planning while ensuring food safety and dietary needs are met. With a commitment to staff wellbeing, the school embraces a 4-Day Working Week, allowing you to enjoy a better work-life balance while contributing to a nurturing environment for students. Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education and care.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension Options

Mental Health Support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of catering practices and food safety.
• Experience in menu planning and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus considering dietary needs and budget.
• Monitor stock and maintain kitchen hygiene.

Skills

Catering Practices

Food Safety Requirements

Menu Planning

Management Experience

Education

Culinary Qualifications

Food Safety Qualifications

Job description

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job Details

• Job Title: School Cook
• Location: Woodside Park School, Penge, London SE20 8QU
• Salary: Up to £25,000.00 per annum depending on experience
• Hours: 30 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8am - 2pm
• Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only (plus 1 week)
• Start Date: September 2025
• Note: UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

To be responsible for the planning and preparation of high-quality food and catering service to the School and to manage and supervise all kitchen staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plan menus for the School considering the dietary needs of the Service Users.
2. Monitor stocks by date rotation, portion control, and quality, adhering to budgetary controls.
3. Set up and clean down kitchen areas daily.
4. Prepare for daily/weekly demands of the School.
5. Minimize waste.
6. Provide suitable food for staff/Service Users with special dietary requirements.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• Good knowledge of catering practices, including storage and use of relevant products.
• Knowledge of food safety requirements.
• Experience in catering within residential, educational, or similar settings.
• Experience in menu planning with regard to budget and nutrition.
• Management experience, including supervising and appraising staff.

Qualifications

• Culinary and Food Safety Qualifications.

About Us

Woodside Park School is a new school under Acorn Education and Outcomes First Group, with recent refurbishment and modern facilities. We are part of a network of over 50 schools across the UK, committed to providing outstanding education and care.

Why Join Us?

We offer an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension options, mental health support, and a flexible benefits platform with numerous perks. Our focus is on positive outcomes for pupils and staff alike.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will undergo social media checks and DBS clearance. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, providing more personal time. The 4DWW is subject to successful probation and is not a contractual benefit.