Chef / Cook

Chef / Cook

Location: Tokers Green, Reading, Berkshire

Salary: £13.14ph - £14.72ph (actual annual salary £23,478.54 - £26,301.68) dependant on experience 

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only

Start Date: 14th October 2024

Aurora Rowan School

Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora Rowan School in Tokers Green, Reading, Berkshire is due to open in November 2024, supporting young people aged 6 -16 with Moderate to Severe Learning and Specific Learning Disabilities needs including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and associated difficulties, who require an individualised, specialist approach.

We are a passionate team that put the opportunity to provide the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in their preparation for adult life at the centre of all we do and all our decision making. The support we will provide enables each of our students to engage and progress at their own level within a learning environment designed to help them achieve their full potential as they reach adulthood.

We are currently looking to recruit a Chef / Cook to join our expanding team and work alongside the School Business Manager to provide a nutritious food provision that caterers for all our pupil’s needs.

Key Duties:

• Establish consistencies in meal and snack preparation whilst considering the dietary & sensory needs of the individual young people
• Cost meal plans whilst considering a balanced, healthy diet that the young people will enjoy
• Use creativity and experience to ensure meals are varied
• Source and build on cost effective supplier relationships
• Lead, motivate, engage and develop staff to encourage high performance
• Communicate effectively at all times both verbally and in writing which ensures clarity regarding the ordering, preparation and delivery of all food
• Ensure that health and safety, food hygiene and other standards are adhered to across the site

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Rowan School when required.

For the full job description please contact Liz from the recruitment team liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience of managing a catering environment with the potential for multiple and complex dietary requirements
• Experience of planning and preparing menus to ensure balanced, healthy eating and variety
• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (including COSHH regulations, manual handling and food hygiene procedures) and requirements in relation to food preparation
• Experienced in carrying regular equipment/maintenance check and recording as and when required
• Good standards of literacy, numeracy, written and verbal communication
• Possess good working knowledge of kitchen equipment and cleaning schedules
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks and work flexibly as appropriate
• Committed to promoting the health, welfare and safeguarding of children and young adults
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certified or above
• Have experience of cooking for between 40 -80 people

Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes:

• Life assurance
• Pension
• Perkbox - offering high street discounts
• Employee assistance programme
• Car lease scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications
• Bike to work scheme
• Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.

How to apply:

You can apply online by completing our online application form. For more information on this position please contact Liz on 07918 585258 / liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. 

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.