Chef/Cook - Specialist SEN School | Coalville, Leicestershire

Salary: £14.43 - £16.16 per hour (£25,783 - £28,874 pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP

Be Part of Something New and Make a Difference Every Day

Reed Education is supporting an exciting new specialist school due to open in Leicestershire, providing education and support for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and communication and interaction difficulties.

The Role

As Chef/Cook, you will be responsible for planning, preparing, and delivering healthy, balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen management.

Working closely with the School Business Manager, you will take pride in creating varied seasonal menus that cater to a range of dietary, sensory, and nutritional needs, ensuring every student has access to enjoyable and nutritious food throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks for students and staff
• Develop creative seasonal menus using fresh ingredients wherever possible
• Cater for specialist dietary requirements, allergies, and individual food needs
• Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation and service
• Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, and inventory control
• Minimise food waste and maximise budget efficiency
• Lead by example within the catering team and support colleagues when required
• Maintain accurate records relating to food safety, temperatures, stock, and wastage
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures
• Oversee the cleanliness and organisation of kitchen, dining, and storage areas
• Support a positive and inclusive dining experience for neurodivergent young people

About You

We're looking for a passionate and organised catering professional who enjoys working in a school environment and understands the important role food plays in supporting children's wellbeing and development.

Successful applicants are likely to have:

• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
• Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification
• Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualification
• Experience working within a commercial kitchen environment
• Experience planning balanced and nutritious menus
• Strong understanding of food hygiene legislation and health & safety requirements
• Knowledge of allergen management and Natasha's Law
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and work to deadlines
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
• A genuine commitment to supporting young people with additional needs

Interested?

If you're an experienced Chef or Cook looking for a rewarding role where your work genuinely makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Join a dedicated team committed to creating positive outcomes for young people and help shape an outstanding new specialist school from day one.

Safeguarding Commitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.