School Cook

Make a meaningful difference to pupils with special educational needs whilst developing your culinary skills in a supportive and welcoming school environment.

Job Title: School Cook
Location: Ormskirk
Pay Rate: £16.50 - £18 per hour
Hours: Approx. 7:00am - 2:30pm, Monday to Friday
Contract: Full-Time, Temporary (until mid-September or half-term, with potential extension)

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic School Cook to join a welcoming SEN school environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation, cooking, and serving of both hot and cold meals for students and staff, ensuring high standards of food hygiene and presentation.

This is a key role in supporting the daily functioning of the school and contributing to the wellbeing of pupils with special educational needs. Compassion, patience, and a flexible approach are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook nutritious, balanced meals, including both hot dishes and cold food options (e.g. salads, sandwiches)
• Ensure meals meet any dietary, allergy, or medical requirements in line with school policies
• Serve meals to students and staff in a friendly and professional manner
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene, including regular cleaning of kitchen equipment and workspaces
• Support with ordering, stock rotation, and food storage
• Comply with health and safety, food safety regulations, and school safeguarding procedures
• Work collaboratively with kitchen assistants or additional catering staff when applicable
• Be mindful of the specific needs and routines of pupils in an SEN setting

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a similar school or catering role
• Confident in preparing both hot and cold food to a high standard
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 desirable)
• Understanding of allergen management and safe food handling
• Ability to work independently, organise tasks, and manage time effectively
• A calm and supportive approach to working in an SEN environment
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)

Application Requirements:

• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.