School Cook
Up to £30,000 -already pro rated
Permanent - Full-time -term Time plus 10 Inset days
About the Role
Looking for a better work-life balance with no late nights or weekends? Join Juniper House School as our School Cook. This is a unique opportunity for a culinary professional who is passionate about both high-quality catering and making a tangible impact on the lives of young people with additional needs.
You’ll prepare nutritious and consistent meals for our pupils, working closely with the school team to meet dietary, allergen and sensory requirements helping our students feel safe, settled and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and serving fresh, balanced and nutritious meals during the school day.
- Working closely with the school team to meet specific dietary, allergen and sensory requirements to help pupils feel settled and ready to learn.
- Leading and supporting students with elements of food preparation and food knowledge helping them build confidence and life skills in the kitchen.
- Maintaining rigorous food hygiene, health and safety standards including the management of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
- Completing essential kitchen checks such as temperatures, cleaning schedules and detailed allergen logs.
- Managing stock, ordering and driving waste reduction.
What We’re Looking For
- Essential experience working within an educational or SEN setting. You must be comfortable engaging with pupils who have additional needs.
- A valid Food Hygiene Certificate is required for this role.
- Strong understanding of Health and Safety legislation, COSHH and comprehensive knowledge of allergens.
- A valid driving licence is required.
- Patient, organised and dependable with a positive approach and the ability to teach elements of cooking to our students.
Working Pattern and Benefits
- Life insurance (death in service) – 4x basic annual salary
- Health cash plan (Health Shield) (after probation/eligibility applies)
- Training and development – induction and mandatory training, plus CPD, therapeutic support and further qualifications
- Free holiday accommodation – company holiday home on south coast
- Discounts – Blue Light Card + local partner discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential 24/7 support helpline
- Referral bonus scheme – financial incentives for successful referrals (criteria apply)
- Company pension with award winning provider and enhanced employer contributions
- Company sick pay scheme (after 6 months’ service)
- Electric car scheme + Cycle to Work – salary sacrifice options
- Recognition – Employee of the Month + long service awards
- Discounted driving lessons with local instructor
About Juniper House School
Juniper House School provides a personal and nurturing environment and places children at the heart of everything it does with a commitment to trauma-informed practice. We believe that every child deserves a space where they feel valued, supported and ready to thrive.
Equality and Diversity
Juniper House is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be themselves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to support your application, please contact us.
Safeguarding
Juniper House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. A full employment history will be required as part of safer recruitment.