Assistant Cook

About the RoleAre you ready to make a difference in the lives of students? We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our team! In this role, you will play a vital part in preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for our students. Working closely with the Cook/Supervisor, you will help ensure our kitchen operates efficiently, safely, and in line with food hygiene and health and safety standards.
Your Key Responsibilities:Assist with the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals, catering to special dietary requirements.
Help maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen and dining environment.
Support food preparation for both on-site meal service and other locations as needed.
Ensure food hygiene and health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
Assist with stock management and report any shortages or concerns.
Maintain records related to meal numbers, cancellations, and additional requests.
Support the smooth running of lunchtime service, creating a positive dining experience for students.
Observe and report any concerns or incidents to appropriate staff members.
Attend relevant training and collaborate as part of the wider school team.

Has previous catering, kitchen, or food preparation experience.
Excels in a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to changing priorities.
Remains calm, organized, and flexible when managing short-notice changes.
Is a positive team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues.
Possesses a good standard of education, including basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene, and customer service.

About UsAbbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is empowered to thrive.
Our personalized curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being tailored to each student's individual needs, strengths, and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence, and essential life skills.
As our school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging, and purposeful, offering Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways with recognized accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success, and build a positive future.
At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who require a deeper level of understanding, expertise, and support than mainstream education typically offers. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring, and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia, and experiences of trauma or adversity.
We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which was officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth consecutive year in 2025.
Why Join Us?We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people.

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
"Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Note: We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants due to delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.