School Cook

Caretech; Test Valley; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education and care provider in Test Valley is looking for a skilled Cook to manage the kitchen at Grateley House School. You will prepare high-quality meals for students with diverse dietary needs and lead a small kitchen team. Experience in kitchen management and knowledge of food safety regulations are essential. The role includes budget control, menu planning, and daily cooking responsibilities. This position offers the chance to work in a committed environment for the welfare of young people.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety regulations.
• Able to cook fresh, healthy meals from scratch.

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.

Skills

Managing a kitchen

Food safety knowledge

Cooking healthy meals

Organizational skills

Creativity in cooking

Education

NVQ or equivalent in Catering

Job description

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.

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

Qualifications

• 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)

Company

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. Cambian is committed to safeguarding and protecting the young people and service users within our care.

Safeguarding & EEO Statement

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.