School Chef/Cook

At Kedleston Group, our vision is simple, every provision we operate will be recognised as ‘outstanding’ in every way.

We will never be the biggest, but we will lead, and others will follow.

About the role:

Are you a talented cook with a passion for creating delicious and nutritious meals? Do you have experience working in schools or similar settings? We are seeking a dedicated School Cook to join our team in Liverpool Crosby, you will play a crucial role in providing well-balanced and appetising meals to our students. You will be working alongside another one member of staff in a small team.

Hours: 40 hours per week (term time only) 7.30am – 3.30pm

Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks for students, following menu guidelines and dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organised kitchen, adhering to all safety and hygiene regulations.
• Order and manage food supplies to ensure availability of fresh and high-quality ingredients.
• Work within a small team (2 staff members) to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Adapt menus to accommodate special dietary needs and allergies.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and minimise waste.
• Ensure proper maintenance of kitchen equipment and report any issues for repair.
• Assist in maintaining inventory records and budget control.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and food handling standards.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a cook in a school, cafeteria, or similar setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques.
• Familiarity with dietary restrictions and allergen management.
• Food hygiene and safety certification is a plus.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

If you are: passionate about providing healthy food for children, able to work effectively to a budget and are prepared to play a full and active part in the life of the school then we would like to hear from you.

Why work for us?

• a competitive salary
• a comprehensive induction programme so you can hit the ground running
• continued professional development and training
• Pension contributions
• a friendly, passionate team committed to getting the best outcomes for our young people

Benefits include:

• £500 refer-a-friend bonus
• OFSTED bonuses
• life insurance
• cycle to work scheme and laptop loans
• discounts on cinema trips, electronics, fashion, home and garden, travel, groceries, gifts, utilities, health and fitness
• birthday treats
• long service and employee of the month awards
• employee assistance and counselling service, wellbeing support and advice

Olsen House is a very special place indeed. We cater for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in society. All our pupils have an Education Health and Care plan, which describes additional need in Social, Emotional and Mental Health. Many are on the autism spectrum and a considerable proportion have several comorbid additional needs. Many of our young people can present with behaviours of concern and it takes a very special person to support them. We serve children and families from the Merseyside area and beyond. Our success is based on establishing exceptionally powerful relationships, helping pupils to develop pro-social skills that enable them to navigate society more successfully. We operate without sanctions, and we use reward to achieve a calm learning environment for all, modifying behaviour over the long term. Our emphasis is always to support pupils make choices that are positive for everyone.

Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues at all times.

The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you! Any unsolicited CV’s will be sent at the recruitment agency’s own risk and will be interpreted as ‘gifts’ and we have no liability to you for any fee or otherwise. We reserve the right to engage with candidates directly having not, in any way, entered into your terms and conditions for this vacancy. By submitting an unsolicited CV to us, or to any member of our staff, you accept these terms as the default position. If we require your assistance with any vacancy we will contact you.