Cook in Charge

Proudly Represented by Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

"Huge Small Victories." Being a cook in our school means being part of something big. You’ll be working at the heart of the school community, preparing and serving tasty, nutritious food to our young people, staff, and visitors. Food brings people together, and your work will put smiles on faces every single day.

Role Overview

Team: School Support
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire (Cedar House School)
Contract Type: Regular / Term-Time Only
Hours: Early shifts (starting 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM) to allow dedicated time for daily ordering.
Salary: Up to £25,583 + Excellent Benefits
Closing Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Ultimate Work-Life Balance: Full School Holidays

Forget the anti-social, late-night hours of traditional hospitality. This is a term-time-only role, meaning you will enjoy full school holidays off to rest, recharge, and spend time with your loved ones while maintaining a stable, competitive income.

The Setting: An Award-Winning SEND Environment

You will be leading the kitchen at Cedar House School, an integrated education, care, and clinical facility dedicated to "Changing Lives, Building Futures." The school provides a nurturing environment for young people with special educational needs, boasting a recent rating of 'Good' in Education and 'Outstanding' for its Residential provision. It is a warm, homely, and deeply personalized environment where every team member makes a difference.

Your Impact & Responsibilities

As the Cook in Charge, you will step away from basic food prep to take complete, rewarding ownership of the school's kitchen operations:

Kitchen Leadership: Supervise a skilled kitchen team, fostering a positive and efficient working environment.
Menu Planning & Nutrition: Plan delicious, nutritious, and balanced menus tailored to our young people's dietary requirements.
Stock & Budget Management: Take full charge of kitchen ordering, stock control, and budgeting for bulk meals.
Compliance: Maintain flawless food hygiene regulations and health standards across the kitchen.
Community Engagement: Build fantastic relationships with our staff and young people through great food.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an organized, reliable kitchen leader who is passionate about both high culinary standards and positive community impact:

Experience: Proven experience running a commercial kitchen and managing stock/ordering is essential.
Qualifications: Must hold a Level 3 qualification in Food Safety in Catering (or equivalent).
Skills: Strong organizational skills, a capability for menu planning, and experience with bulk-ordering and tight budget management.
Traits: Hardworking, friendly, and eager to engage positively with children and young people.

Culture & Inclusion

We celebrate everyone's differences because they enrich our community and support the diverse young people we serve. We are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency and our client will support you every step of the way.

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (fully funded) and an online background search.