School Cook

Acorn Care and Education; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Peacehaven is seeking a School Cook to deliver high-quality meals while leading kitchen operations. This role offers a unique work-life balance with a 4-Day Work Week, where you'll prepare nutritious meals for students in a warm environment. Ideal candidates will hold a Food Hygiene Certificate and have a passion for creating meals that support wellbeing. Enjoy an exceptional benefits package while making a positive impact in the school community.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support services

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience in creating nutritious meals for young people.
• Ability to maintain high hygiene standards in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of a high-quality catering service.
• Create and prepare nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Maintain food safety standards and manage kitchen operations.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or 3)

High-quality meal preparation

Excellent hygiene and safety standards

Ability to work under pressure

Effective communication

Teamwork

Job description

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

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Role Details

Role: School Cook

Location: Jubilee School, Waterlooville PO7 7RE

Salary: £23,833.13 per annum / £14.25 p/h (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00am–3:30pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

UK applicants only — this role does not offer visa sponsorship.

Are you passionate about food, creativity, and making a difference in the school community? Do you thrive in a warm, lively environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities? At Jubilee School, we’re looking for a talented and enthusiastic School Cook to lead our kitchen and deliver fresh, nutritious, and exciting meals that fuel our students and staff.

This is your chance to play a vital role in the heart of the school—bringing people together, inspiring healthy choices, and making mealtimes a highlight of the day.

About the Role

As School Cook, you’ll lead the planning, preparation, and delivery of a high‑quality catering service. You’ll create nutritious, appealing meals that meet a range of dietary needs, maintain excellent food safety standards, and ensure the kitchen operates smoothly each day. Where applicable, you will also oversee the kitchen team to maintain a positive, efficient and well‑organised working environment.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals that support pupil and staff wellbeing
• Plan balanced menus that meet a range of dietary requirements
• Keep the kitchen running safely and efficiently, maintaining high hygiene standards
• Manage stock, portion control, ordering and food waste responsibly
• Handle deliveries and supplier queries with accuracy
• Provide tailored meals for specific dietary needs
• Support daily mealtime services for students, staff and visitors
• Lead, support and guide the kitchen team, delegating tasks effectively
• Report maintenance issues and maintain accurate records
• Work within budget and use resources responsibly
• Follow school policies, including safeguarding and health & safety
• Represent Jubilee School professionally and prioritise pupil wellbeing

What We’re Looking For

• Holds a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or 3)
• Enjoys creating high‑quality, nutritious meals for young people
• Maintains excellent hygiene and safety standards
• Works confidently in a busy kitchen
• Can plan menus, manage stock and stay organised under pressure
• Communicates well and builds positive relationships
• Is flexible, reliable and adaptable
• Works well as part of a friendly, supportive team
• Upholds Jubilee School’s values with students’ wellbeing at the centre

If you’re committed, creative, and excited to make a positive difference—we’d love to hear from you!

At Jubilee School, you’ll be part of a welcoming and dedicated team making a meaningful impact every day. We celebrate achievements, champion potential, and create a nurturing environment where both pupils and staff can thrive. If you’re ready to inspire, support and contribute to exceptional school experiences, apply today and help shape brighter futures.

About Us

At Jubilee School, we are committed to supporting students through approaches informed by our Neurodiversity Strategy and Trauma‑Informed Practice. We strive to provide a happy, welcoming, and motivating learning environment, where students enjoy their learning experiences and are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Opened in October 2006, Jubilee School is an independent special school providing highly effective education, therapy, welfare, and support for both boys and girls with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, as well as other complex needs.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.