Cook (Castle Gate) - 02016

Westberks; Newbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government council in Newbury is looking for a dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children with special educational needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in non-domestic kitchens, a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, and the ability to manage food budgets. This part-time role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

Generous Local Government pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Wide range of training opportunities

Wellbeing Programme

Qualifications

• Proven ability to cater for various dietary needs.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and health safety procedures.
• Must pass Enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals daily for up to 12 people.
• Plan weekly menus considering dietary needs.
• Maintain hygiene standards and kitchen documentation.
• Engage with kids at mealtimes to promote healthy eating.

Skills

Experience in non-domestic kitchen

Food ordering and budgeting

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Are you passionate about providing nutritious meals and supporting young people with special educational needs? We're looking for a dedicated Cook to join our team at Castle Gate, a short break service for children and young people with disabilities.

What You'll Do

• Prepare healthy, nutritious, and well-presented meals daily for up to 12 people.
• Plan and manage weekly menus, considering dietary requirements and cultural preferences.
• Maintain hygiene standards and manage all kitchen documentation (including food safety records and cleaning schedules).
• Promote healthy eating and support young people's learning by interacting at mealtimes and engaging with initiatives like our vegetable patch.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working in a non-domestic kitchen environment.
• A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (essential).
• Proven ability to manage food ordering and budgeting.
• Experience catering for a variety of dietary needs.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures.
• Excellent time management, communication, and teamwork skills.

What We Offer

• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• Generous Local Government pension scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• A range of local discounts.
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits.
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check with relevant barred lists.

Working Pattern

Monday to Friday, 15:00 – 18:00

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How To Apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications.