School Cook

Sencare Recruitment Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

SENCare Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Cook to join a specialist school in Milton Keynes, supporting pupils with SEMH needs. You will prepare and serve nutritious meals, ensuring high standards of hygiene and kitchen safety in a busy educational setting.

The ideal candidate has school catering experience, Level 2 Food Hygiene, and a patient, flexible approach. The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, with competitive pay dependent on experience and potential for long-term

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Cook, Chef or Catering Assistant with cooking responsibilities.
• Experience in a school, nursery, care home or similar catering environment is desirable.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).
• Good knowledge of food allergies, dietary requirements and safe food preparation.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• A patient, flexible and positive approach to working in a specialist school.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Plan and deliver balanced menus that meet school nutritional guidelines.
• Cater for individual dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including HACCP procedures.
• Manage food stock, ordering, storage and stock rotation.
• Minimise food waste and work within agreed kitchen budgets.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
• Work collaboratively with school staff to support a positive dining experience.
• Demonstrate patience, understanding and professionalism when working within a specialist SEMH setting.

Skills

Cook/Chef experience

School catering experience

Food Hygiene Level 2

Allergen/dietary knowledge

Independent / daily operations

Time management

Patient and flexible approach

DBS check(Update Service)

Job description

School Cook – Specialist School

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Job Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract: Temporary / Ongoing

About the Role

SENCare Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and reliable School Cook to join a specialist school in Milton Keynes, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate cook who enjoys working in a school environment and wants to make a positive difference to the daily lives of young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Plan and deliver balanced menus that meet school nutritional guidelines.
• Cater for individual dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including HACCP procedures.
• Manage food stock, ordering, storage and stock rotation.
• Minimise food waste and work within agreed kitchen budgets.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
• Work collaboratively with school staff to support a positive dining experience.
• Demonstrate patience, understanding and professionalism when working within a specialist SEMH setting.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Cook, Chef or Catering Assistant with cooking responsibilities.
• Experience in a school, nursery, care home or similar catering environment is desirable.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).
• Good knowledge of food allergies, dietary requirements and safe food preparation.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• A patient, flexible and positive approach to working in a specialist school.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Full-time, Monday-to-Friday working hours.
• Support from a dedicated recruitment consultant.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive specialist education environment.
• Potential for a long-term or permanent opportunity.