School Cook/caterer

**School Cook/Caterer (Full Time) £20,020.00 per annum** **P/A at 35 hours per week depending on qualification** **and experience.**

We are looking to recruit a school cook/caterer who is innovative, dynamic and highly motivated, who has an excellent understanding and experience of running the kitchen on a day to day basis.

**About the Position**:
The school cook/caterer will work under the direction of the director of operations and collaborate with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure that pupils receive a varied and nutritious diet. As the school cook/caterer you will be responsible for managing the operation of the kitchen including preparation and cooking of food, supplies, presentation/service and record management and compliance with quality and safety standards.

**Responsibilities to include**:

- Running of the kitchen on a day to day basis.
- Liaise with the director of operations and other senior leadership team to plan pupils meal/menu to ensure varieties of food and any dietary requirements are adhered to.
- Ensure that menus are changed regularly and at a minimum seasonally.
- Preparation and serving of delicious and nutritious hot /cold meals, snacks and desserts for our pupils.
- Ensure that all meals are of the highest possible quality and attractively presented.
- To order and purchase all fresh foods /frozen foods from nominated suppliers in line with the home/school policy.
- To achieve food budget cost controls, ensuring minimum wastage within the unit.
- To maintain the agreed stock levels of food and carry out stock takes at the end of each month.

**Essential Criteria**
- NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Catering or in General Cookery.
- Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Certificates (further training will be available)
- Previous experience as a school cook/caterer
- General experience of working in residential care/school setting.
- Proven competency in nutritionally balanced menu planning.
- Ability to cater for specific dietary needs and prepare varieties of food.
- Ability to stay calm and overcome any food production problems.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Caring and compassionate towards people in need of care and support.
- Self -motivated and keen to learn.
- Ability to follow a work pattern and willing to seek guidance when needed and follow instruction.
- Excellent time keeper, reliable and honest.
- Good hygiene practice, including personal hygiene and smart appearance.

**Other Factors**
- Willingness to work flexibly and to keep knowledge and skills up to date.
- Ready to commit to the role in its entirety.
- Driver essential with Full UK Drivers Licence.
- Committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality for all.
- All applicants must be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Checks (DBS).

**As an employee of Witham Prospect School, you will benefit from**:

- Extensive training aimed at developing and enhancing skills further.
- Opportunity to progress and grow within an innovative and progressive organisation.
- An automatic Pension Scheme.
- Full funded DBS Checks.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Loyalty bonuses (length service award).
- Bike2Work Scheme.
- Death in Service insurance scheme.
- Available on-site Car Parking.

**About Witham Prospect School**

Witham Prospect School is a newly established independent specialist residential care and education organisation that has been created to meet the needs of children/young people aged between 11 and 19 years who have severe and profound learning disabilities and who may also be on the autism spectrum, have complex care needs and behavioural concerns. We are situated on the outskirts of Norton Disney in Lincolnshire. Our ethos is to provide warm, safe and nurturing environments where children and young people entrusted to us are supported and enabled to achieve their full potential in all areas of their social, emotional, physical and academic development.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £20,020.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Wellness programme

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Holidays
- Overtime
- Weekend availability

Work Location: One location