School Cook

**Job Summary**
**Location**: Whitehall Academy, Rochdale
**Contract Type**: Full time - Term time
**Salary**: £22,500 - £25,000
**Hours**: 10am - 2pm
**Start Date**: ASAP

**About the Role**:
We are seeking a reliable, caring, and experienced **School Cook** to join our dedicated team at a small **Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision**. You will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals for a small group of pupils with a variety of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, and SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) challenges.

This is a key role within the school, ensuring that pupils are well-nourished, safe, and supported at mealtimes.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Plan, prepare, cook, and serve healthy and varied meals in line with dietary guidelines and individual pupil needs (including allergies, intolerances, and sensory sensitivities).
- Ensure all food is prepared in accordance with food hygiene and safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety procedures at all times.
- Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor food storage and waste.
- Create a calm and welcoming dining environment that supports pupils with SEN, some of whom may need additional support or encouragement at mealtimes.
- Work closely with school staff to accommodate individual meal plans and support pupils' wellbeing.
- Ensure kitchen documentation is up to date, including food temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen records.

**Requirements**:
**Essential**:

- Proven experience working as a cook, preferably in a school or care setting.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and allergen regulations.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to cater for special dietary needs and sensory preferences.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
- A friendly, patient, and flexible approach, particularly when working around children with additional needs.

**Desirable**:

- Experience working in a school, SEN setting, or care environment.
- First Aid and/or Food Allergy Awareness training.
- Understanding of safeguarding practices in schools.

**Why Join Us?**
- A warm, inclusive, and supportive working environment
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- A chance to make a meaningful difference to the daily lives of children with SEN
- Term-time only hours to support work/life balance

Pay: £22,500.00-£25,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person