Cook

We are seeking an experienced Cook to plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the diverse dietary, cultural, and health needs of learners in a specialist further education setting. The role includes supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food safety compliance, maintaining a 5-star hygiene rating, and contributing to a positive, inclusive dining experience for students. Your role will include:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritious meals that meet the dietary, medical, cultural, and specialist needs of learners, including allergens and modified textures.
• Ensure kitchen areas are set up, cleaned, and maintained to meet food hygiene, health, and safety standards, supporting infection control and safe food handling.
• Monitor stock levels, manage inventory, prepare food orders, liaise with suppliers, and maintain accurate records of food safety, cleaning, and temperature checks.
• Supervise, lead, and support kitchen staff, including students on work experience, delegating tasks appropriately and ensuring safe, effective service.
• Support staff induction, training, development, and carry out delegated supervisory responsibilities such as supervisions and performance reviews.
• Ensure all equipment is handled safely, following manufacturer guidelines, COSHH regulations, and reporting faults or hazards promptly.
• Control portion sizes, manage allergens, minimise waste, and operate the catering service efficiently within budget.
• Work collaboratively with college teams (pastoral, residential, therapy) to support learner needs and respond flexibly to service changes.
• Participate in training, meetings, performance reviews, and quality assurance processes, upholding college values and standards.
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive environment, adhering to safeguarding, whistleblowing, complaints, and behaviour management procedures, and undertake other reasonable duties as required.
  
  Experience in catering within residential, educational, or similar settings, including menu planning with budget and nutritional considerations; staff supervision and management experience desirable.
• Strong knowledge of catering practices, food safety requirements, and ability to implement effective systems of work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with effective leadership, motivation, communication, organisational, and time-management skills.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and additional qualifications; relevant catering qualifications desirable (e.g., food safety, NVQs).
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, proactive, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and commitment to the organisation's values, with a collaborative approach and positive attitude.
• Kind, patient, with a good sense of humour; driving licence desirable.
  
  We are proud to be part of Options Autism, which for over 19 years has delivered specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism and complex needs. Together, we are part of Outcomes First Group, pioneers of innovative, evidence-based approaches that create meaningful, measurable outcomes.
In 2025, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running - something we're incredibly proud of.

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata) Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 7.00am - 3.00pm Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Eligibility: UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship., We place pupils 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 the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• 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