School Cook

Outcomes First Group; Stapleford; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational provider is seeking a talented School Cook to create nutritious meals for students and staff. You will lead kitchen operations, manage supplies, and ensure food hygiene standards. This full-time position offers a salary of £12.50 per hour and promotes a healthy work-life balance with a 4-Day Working Week trial. Join us to make a positive impact on the school community.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible benefits platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen management or large-scale food preparation.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 Food Hygiene preferred).
• A flexible, organised, and positive team player.

Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals.
• Leading daily kitchen operations.
• Maintaining food hygiene and safety standards.
• Managing stock and minimizing food waste.
• Creating a positive mealtime experience.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food hygiene knowledge

Team player

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

At Hemlock Stone School, part of Options Autism, we're looking for a talented and enthusiastic School Cook to lead our kitchen and create nutritious, home-cooked meals that keep our pupils and staff happy, healthy, and energised. This is your chance to do what you love while knowing your food is fuelling learning, growth, and smiles every single day.

Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals that meet all dietary needs and preferences
• Leading daily kitchen operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness
• Managing stock, monitoring supplies, and minimising food waste
• Working closely with staff to make mealtimes a positive and welcoming part of the school day

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen management or large-scale food preparation
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 Food Hygiene preferred)
• A flexible, organised, and positive team player with great communication skills

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

About the School and Terms

Our New Options Autism School - Hemlock Stone School in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. The school will have capacity for 66 pupils and is due to open March 2026 and will cater for pupils who have ASC and Complex Needs. For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

£12.50 per hour — Permanent, Full time

NEW: 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. Thats why were 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. Our school will adopt the 4DWW once we have a full team in place and with the rollout already underway across the wider Group, now is the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Benefits

• 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
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover