School Cook
| Posting date: | 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £21,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 February 2026 |
| Location: | Whittington Moor |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 301149FAJ |
Summary
Job Title: School Cook
Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Salary: £21,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time plus One Week
Start Date: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay*. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.
About the Role
The School Cook plays a vital role in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for students, staff, and visitors, ensuring that dietary needs are met while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. You will manage and supervise the kitchen team, oversee daily operations, and ensure smooth running of the school catering service. This role combines creativity, organisation, and leadership to deliver a professional and welcoming dining experience for the school community.
Key responsibilities:
Plan and prepare nutritious and balanced menus for students and staff, taking account of dietary requirements and preferences
Supervise, lead, and support all kitchen staff to ensure efficient, high-quality service
Monitor stock levels, manage inventory through date rotation, portion control, and quality checks, adhering to budgetary controls
Set up and clean kitchen areas before and after daily use, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment
Undertake daily and weekly food preparation to meet the demands of the school
Minimise food waste through careful planning and portion control
Provide suitable meals for staff and students with special dietary needs
Report any defects, damage, theft, breakages, or hazards to relevant staff immediately
This role is ideal for a skilled, organised, and proactive individual who can manage a busy kitchen, lead a team effectively, and deliver excellent food and service for the school community.
About You
You will have:
Relevant Catering Qualifications
Experience working in catering within a residential, educational, or comparable setting
Experience planning menus that meet nutritional requirements while adhering to budgetary constraints
Experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a similar catering environment
About Us
Bluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision set to open in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 11 to 16, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress
In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.
Why Join Us?
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*4DWW subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Salary: £21,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time plus One Week
Start Date: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay*. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.
About the Role
The School Cook plays a vital role in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for students, staff, and visitors, ensuring that dietary needs are met while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. You will manage and supervise the kitchen team, oversee daily operations, and ensure smooth running of the school catering service. This role combines creativity, organisation, and leadership to deliver a professional and welcoming dining experience for the school community.
Key responsibilities:
Plan and prepare nutritious and balanced menus for students and staff, taking account of dietary requirements and preferences
Supervise, lead, and support all kitchen staff to ensure efficient, high-quality service
Monitor stock levels, manage inventory through date rotation, portion control, and quality checks, adhering to budgetary controls
Set up and clean kitchen areas before and after daily use, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment
Undertake daily and weekly food preparation to meet the demands of the school
Minimise food waste through careful planning and portion control
Provide suitable meals for staff and students with special dietary needs
Report any defects, damage, theft, breakages, or hazards to relevant staff immediately
This role is ideal for a skilled, organised, and proactive individual who can manage a busy kitchen, lead a team effectively, and deliver excellent food and service for the school community.
About You
You will have:
Relevant Catering Qualifications
Experience working in catering within a residential, educational, or comparable setting
Experience planning menus that meet nutritional requirements while adhering to budgetary constraints
Experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a similar catering environment
About Us
Bluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision set to open in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 11 to 16, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress
In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.
Why Join Us?
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*4DWW subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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