Chef/Cook

Aurora Charnwood School is opening its doors in late 2026 (tbc) and will be a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious hub for children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Communication and Interaction. With a capacity of 120 students across 3 sites, our vision is to create a safe, enriching and aspirational environment where every learner can thrive.

We're looking for an experienced and skilled Chef/Cook to lead the Catering Team and assist the School Business Manager in producing bespoke, high-quality meals and snacks for our young people and staff.  

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand-new school and to be part of something truly transformative.

Key duties:  

• In consultation with the School Business Manager, plan and develop interesting, innovative and varied seasonal menus, taking advantage of locally sourced fresh ingredients wherever possible, within budget.  

• To prepare food adhering to menu plans, considering any special dietary requirements and food allergies, portion control, ensuring that all food produced is presented and served to the highest standard, at the required times.  

• To assist in ordering appropriate stock as required alongside the School Business Manager, and to ensure that deliveries are checked against the order book.  

• In the absence of the School Business Manager, to manage the Catering Department efficiently and effectively, providing a good role model and leading by example.  

• To demonstrate a positive working style with an enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude.  

• In the planning and production of meals and snacks, to minimise waste wherever possible.  

• To work as a team, using available time to complete food preparation and ordering ahead of schedule.  

• To demonstrate a thorough understanding and safe usage of all kitchen equipment.  

• To keep records of production/consumption/wastage and to produce monthly reports for the School Business Manager.  

• To correctly implement and adhere to cleaning schedules to ensure that the kitchen / Dinning and ancillary areas maintain the highest standards of hygiene.  

• To work as instructed to ensure the Catering Department operates at maximum efficiency within budgetary targets to deliver the required level of service at all times.   

• To be aware of food stock levels and bring to the attention of the School Business Manager if stock is running low.  Ensure there is always sufficient food stock in place to deliver and cater students and staff meal requirement. General communication of food stocks should be addressed daily.  

• To assist with a physical stock take at the end of each term as well as at the end of academic year.  

• To be confident in the correct and safe operation of all kitchen equipment and chemicals, (training will be given) and to complete tasks as instructed.  

• To undertake food production in line with legal requirements.  

• Ensure to complete the required checks regarding fridge / freezer temperatures, hot and cold food holding temperatures, and all other Food and Health Safety documents required by law at all times.  

Duties will vary, you must expect to diversify and lend a hand wherever is required. Please see the attachments for our full .

What we're looking for:

• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering   

• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles  

• NVQ Level 2 in Cookery.  

• Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering ( desirable )  

• Recent experience of preparing 80+ meals in a commercial kitchen ( desirable)

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines.  

• Experience of preparing of menus ensuring balanced meal plans, healthy eating and variety.  

• Able to interact effectively with neurodivergent young people  

• Use neuro affirmative language and adhere to SLT guidance on the use of language related to food choices and diet which is central to supporting those students with ARFID and eating disorders.  

• GCSE standard of literacy, numeracy, written and verbal communication  

• Ability to react calmly and quickly in an emergency  

• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (including COSHH regulations, manual handling, and food hygiene procedures) and requirements in relation to food preparation  

• Knowledge of Natasha's Law 

Additional Information

How to Apply: 

You can apply online by completing our online application form.  For more information on this position please contact Grace  in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at grace. View email address on tes.com .co.uk

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. 

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.