Cook / Chef

Job description

Chef / Cook - Specialist SEN School

Brand-New Specialist School | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced Chef or Cook looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference?

We are recruiting for a brand-new specialist school opening in late 2026, supporting children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism (ASD), SEMH needs and communication & interaction needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the school from the very beginning, take ownership of the kitchen and help create a positive dining experience for pupils and staff.

The Role

Working closely with the School Business Manager, you'll take the lead on the day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering provision.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals and snacks
• Creating varied seasonal menus, including meals for pupils with specific dietary requirements and allergies
• Catering sensitively for neurodivergent pupils, including those with ARFID or additional needs around food
• Managing stock levels, deliveries, ordering and portion control
• Supporting and leading the wider catering team
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
• Completing temperature checks, food safety records and other required documentation
• Minimising food waste and working effectively within budget
• Ensuring all food is prepared in line with food safety and health & safety legislation

What We're Looking For

Ideally, you will have:

• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering
• NVQ Level 2 in Cookery or equivalent catering qualification
• Experience working within a busy kitchen or catering environment
• Experience planning balanced and varied menus
• A good understanding of food allergies and dietary requirements
• Knowledge of food hygiene, COSHH and Natasha's Law
• The ability to work calmly under pressure and meet deadlines
• A positive, flexible and hands-on approach

Experience preparing 80+ meals within a commercial kitchen and a Level 3 Food Safety qualification would be an advantage but are not essential.

Why Apply?

This isn't just another kitchen role. You'll be joining a new specialist school from the beginning, with the opportunity to shape its catering provision and become an important part of a team supporting children and young people with additional needs.

If you're an experienced Chef or Cook looking for a stable, rewarding role within specialist education, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Submit your CV via this advert or contact Ioan directly:

Ioan Griffiths
(phone number removed)
WhatsApp: (phone number removed)

*Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS with relevant barred list checks*

Reference 225691213