School cook

We're Hiring – School Cook!

Thrive Learning Centre – Sutton Weaver, Runcorn

Job Title: School Cook
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm (20 hours per week)
Location: Thrive Learning Centre, Sutton Weaver, Runcorn
Salary: £13 an hour
Working Pattern: Term Time Only

About Us

Thrive Learning Centre is a small, friendly independent special school supporting children and young people with additional needs. We pride ourselves on creating a caring, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

We provide free meals to all our pupils and staff, and we're looking for a friendly, practical and enthusiastic School Cook to join our team.

About the Role

We're looking for someone who enjoys cooking, has plenty of common sense and isn't afraid to use their initiative!

Our kitchen is small, so we need someone who can work efficiently, stay organised and make the most of the space and equipment available.

You don't need to be a professional chef. We're looking for someone who can prepare simple, tasty, nutritious hot and cold meals that children and staff will enjoy.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, simple hot meals each school day.
• Provide cold options such as sandwiches, wraps and salads.
• Help plan varied, balanced and child-friendly menus.
• Cater for dietary requirements, allergies and individual needs.
• Organise ingredients, food storage and kitchen supplies.
• Keep the kitchen, work surfaces and equipment clean and hygienic.
• Clean and tidy the dining area after lunch.
• Follow food hygiene, health and safety procedures.
• Manage your time effectively to ensure meals are ready when needed.

What We're Looking For

• Someone who enjoys cooking and takes pride in the food they prepare.
• A practical, organised person who can use their initiative and solve problems.
• Someone comfortable working independently in a small kitchen.
• A friendly, patient and approachable personality.
• An understanding of food hygiene and safe food preparation.
• The ability to work on their feet for most of the four-hour shift.
• Someone flexible, reliable and willing to get stuck in.
• Previous experience cooking for groups would be helpful, but isn't essential.

Why Join Thrive?

At Thrive, we're more than just a school. We're a small, supportive team who genuinely care about our pupils and one another.

You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to our pupils' school day by providing meals that are enjoyable, nutritious and prepared with care.

What we offer:

• Family-friendly, term-time working hours.
• A four-hour working day, finishing at 1pm.
• Free meals while at work.
• A friendly and supportive team.
• A welcoming school environment.
• The opportunity to bring your own ideas to our school menus.

Interested?

If you're a confident home cook, enjoy working with children and would love to be part of a small, caring school community, we'd love to hear from you!

Thrive Learning Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Thrive Learning Centre
Education for life, rooted in care.

Pay: £13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person