Package Description

Location: East Heckington

Salary £27,976 – £29,432 per annum (dependent on qualification and experience) 

Contract: Permanent | Full-time (40 hours per week)

Working pattern: Term Time Only – 40 weeks per year

About the role

We are looking for a Cook to prepare and serve nutritious, balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of pupils and staff, supporting health and wellbeing. You will embody the EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring) and adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct, helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and nurturing school environment.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in line with dietary requirements and health & safety standards. 
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations.  
• Manage stock, ordering, and inventory to minimise waste and ensure availability.  
• Adapt menus for allergies, cultural preferences, and special dietary needs.  
• Model professional behaviour, respectful communication, and integrity in line with the Staff Code of Conduct.  
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard pupil wellbeing. 
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures, reporting concerns promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of food safety checks, stock levels, and equipment maintenance.  
• Support the smooth running of the catering service and school routines.  

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Relevant food hygiene and safety qualification (e.g., Level 2 Food Hygiene).  
• Proven experience in food preparation and service. 
• Awareness of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations, including safeguarding responsibilities in a school environment.  
• Ability to prepare nutritious meals efficiently and safely.  
• Commitment to professional conduct and safeguarding, with a caring, reliable approach and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience catering in a school or care setting.  
• Knowledge of nutrition and special dietary requirements.  
• Menu planning and stock management skills.  
• Commitment to continuous professional development.  

EPIC benefits of working for Keys Group:

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card 
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts  
• Life assurance

At Heckington House School:

You would work with experienced teaching staff to deliver a curriculum which meets their needs and allows for opportunities for creative and practical activities alongside our core offer. We are a small independent school with excellent facilities and resources to support children with SEMH, including extensive grounds, an orchard, all weather sports pitches, school guinea pigs and school dog.  Access to support from Keys Group Clinical team includes educational psychology, Occupational Health, Speech and Language and specialist subject leads will help you to deliver the best for our young people.

Heckington House has always been different to others in Lincolnshire. Staying away from the mainstream approach that has not been the most successful for our learners. Adding real elements of creative, outdoor, practical, and fun learning opportunities that feel relevant to each learner. We work with each learner to meet their holistic needs, from healthy living, managing their behaviours, intervention strategies to play, sports and getting ready for the next steps.

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. 

Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, suitable employment references and online searches to safeguard our young people. In addition, this post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974.

Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and are able to offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.

Keys Group