School Cook

The Witherslack Group; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider located in Wythenshawe is seeking a dedicated cook. This role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals to students, supervising a skilled kitchen team, and ensuring food hygiene standards are met. The position offers a salary of £24,796 - £25,583 along with excellent benefits. You will have opportunities for training, flexible benefits, and a positive working environment. Join us to make a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs.

Benefits

Full school holidays

Comprehensive training program

Wellbeing support

Medical cover

High-street discounts

Referral bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified in Food Safety in Catering or equivalent.
• Experience in budgeting for meals and ordering in bulk.
• Ability to plan menus effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals to students and staff.
• Supervise a team and ensure adherence to food hygiene standards.
• Build relationships with students and staff while working closely.

Skills

Budgeting for meals

Menu planning

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Level 3 qualification in Food Safety in Catering

Job description

Qualifications

• Have a Level 3 qualification in Food Safety in Catering (or equivalent)
• Be organised and have the ability to plan menus
• Have experience budgeting for each meal and ordering in bulk

Inclusion and EEO

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference—especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we'll be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we're better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self. The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Salary & Benefits

£24,796 - £25,583 + excellent benefits (salary will be pro‑rated).

Huge Small Victories

Responsibilities

Being a cook in our school means being part of something big. You'll be working at the heart of the school, preparing and serving tasty, nutritious food to our young people, staff and visitors. Get out what you put in. You'll supervise a skilled team and plan nutritious menus for our young people. You'll also need to make sure that the school meets food hygiene regulations and nutritional standards. Being a cook in charge at our schools means you'll get to build fantastic relationships with all of our staff and young people, by doing what you do best. One of the best environments in SEND. Opening in September 2026, Bowersgate School is a purpose-built, brand new, state‑of‑the‑art school. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 6‑16 with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Wythenshawe and the wider communities; you are at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

What we do for you

We know you're going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you'll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you'll get:

• Training: A full induction and on‑the‑job training
• Holiday: You'll work hard at WG, so you'll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician’s or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Bring your whole‑self to work

Bring your whole‑self to work.