Chef Cook

We're looking for an experienced and skilled Chef/Cook to lead the Catering Team andassistthe School Business Manager in producing bespoke, high-quality meals and snacks for our young people and staff.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand-new school and to be part of something truly transformative.
Key duties:
In consultation with the School Business Manager, plan and develop interesting,innovativeand varied seasonal menus, taking advantage of locally sourced fresh ingredients wherever possible, within budget.
To prepare food adhering to menu plans, considering any special dietary requirements and food allergies,portioncontrol, ensuring that all food produced is presented and served to the highest standard, at the required times.
Toassistin orderingappropriate stockas required alongside the School Business Manager, and to ensure that deliveries are checked against the order book.
In the absence of the School Business Manager, to manage the Catering Department efficiently and effectively, providing a good role model and leading by example.
Todemonstratea positive working style with an enthusiastic,committedand flexible attitude.
In the planning and production of meals and snacks, to minimise waste wherever possible.
To work as a team, using available time to complete food preparation and ordering ahead of schedule.
Todemonstratea thorough understanding and safe usage of all kitchen equipment.
To keep records of production/consumption/wastage and to produce monthly reports for the School Business Manager.
To correctly implement and adhere to cleaning schedules to ensure that the kitchen / Dinning and ancillary areasmaintainthe highest standards of hygiene.
To work as instructed to ensure the Catering Departmentoperatesat maximum efficiency within budgetary targets todeliver the required level of service at all times.
To be aware of food stock levels and bring to the attention of the School Business Manager if stock is running low. Ensure there is always sufficient food stock in place to deliver and cater students and staff meal requirement. General communication of food stocks should be addressed daily.
Toassistwith a physical stock take at the end of each term as well as at the end of academic year.
To be confident in the correct and safe operation of all kitchen equipment and chemicals, (training will be given) and to complete tasks as instructed.
To undertake food production in line with legal requirements.
Ensure to complete the required checksregardingfridge / freezer temperatures, hot and cold food holding temperatures, and all other Food and Health Safety documentsrequired by law at all times.

Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles
NVQ Level 2 in Cookery.
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (desirable)
Recent experience of preparing 80+ meals in a commercial kitchen (desirable)
Proven ability to work to tight deadlines.
Experience of preparing of menus ensuring balanced meal plans, healthyeatingand variety.
Able to interact effectively with neurodivergent young people
Use neuro affirmative language and adhere to SLT guidance on the use of language related to food choices and diet which is central to supporting those students with ARFID and eating disorders.
GCSE standard of literacy, numeracy, written and verbal communication
Ability to react calmly and quickly in an emergency
Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (including COSHH regulations, manual handling, and food hygiene procedures) and requirements in relation to food preparation
Knowledge of Natasha's Law

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Education Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are \"spent\" unless they are \"protected\" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.