The Head cook will be instrumental in the kitchen by preparing snacks and lunch to 85 pupils in our specialist school that encompasses primary to secondary aged students.

The role involves preparing and cooking nutritious meals for our pupils whilst considering the specialist and varied students’ dietary requirements. We are looking for someone who strives to encourage healthy eating though the menu.

Duties include preparing, cooking and serving cold snack and hot lunches, an overview of pupils allergens records, placing orders, stock taking, receiving and storing deliveries, making up food boxes to spec, able to overview budget and its targets, making sure cleaning records are up to date, able to supervise your team to cover the daily tasks and making sure they have up to date training.

Enrolment of new students is open throughout the academic year, so flexibility in the head cooks approach is key, as additional meals may be increased at a short notice.  It is vital that you can maintain an environment where our pupils feel happy, safe, and valued.

High standards of hygiene and adherence to codes of conduct and guidelines are crucial to this role. Must have a level 2 food hygiene and previous experience in a catering environment. Computer literacy is desirable but not essential.

Please be aware, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who have restricted hours, and we are unable offer sponsorships.

Autism East Midlands is the largest specialist autism charity in the East Midlands and has been supporting people affected by autism for 50 years. 

What we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days pro-rota)
• Extensive induction with autism specialist training
• Fully paid for Care Certificate, which is essential for those wanting to pursue a career in health and social care
• Paid job-related qualifications during employment
• Generous occupational sick pay
• Free initial DBS Check
• Employer pension scheme
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Flexible working
• Excellent career progression
• Refer a friend scheme
• Access to counselling
• Access to legal and financial support
• Paid maternity/ paternity/ adoption leave