School Chef in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

School Chef – Specialist School 

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Job Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: 4 weeks

About the Role

SENCare Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and reliable School Cook to join a specialist school in Milton Keynes, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, balanced meals while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate cook who enjoys working in a school environment and wants to make a positive difference to the daily lives of young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.

• Plan and deliver balanced menus that meet school nutritional guidelines.

• Cater for individual dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances.

• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including HACCP procedures.

• Manage food stock, ordering, storage and stock rotation.

• Minimise food waste and work within agreed kitchen budgets.

• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.

• Work collaboratively with school staff to support a positive dining experience.

• Demonstrate patience, understanding and professionalism when working within a specialist SEMH setting.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Cook, Chef or Catering Assistant with cooking responsibilities.

• Experience in a school, nursery, care home or similar catering environment is desirable.

• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).

• Good knowledge of food allergies, dietary requirements and safe food preparation.

• Ability to work independently and manage daily kitchen operations.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• A patient, flexible and positive approach to working in a specialist school.

• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay.

• Full-time, Monday-to-Friday working hours.

• Support from a dedicated recruitment consultant.

• Opportunity to work in a supportive specialist education environment.

• Potential for a long-term or permanent opportunity.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced School Cook looking for your next opportunity in Milton Keynes, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your updated CV, and a member of the SENCare Recruitment team will be in touch to discuss the opportunity.

SENCare Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency supplying staff to SEN schools, alternative provisions and specialist education settings across the UK.

SENCare Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.