Lead Cook

Job Title

Lead Cook

Location

Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH

Hours

30 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm

Salary

£19,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract

Permanent Term Time Only plus 2 weeks

Start Date

July 2026

Eligibility

UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about creating nutritious, delicious meals that make a real difference every day? Do you thrive in a busy kitchen where no two days are the same? If so, we'd love to welcome you to our school community.

As a valued member of our team, you'll work under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in delivering a high quality catering service that supports the wellbeing of our children and young people. You'll uphold our school ethos, contribute to a positive working environment, and bring pride and professionalism to everything you do.

What You'll Be Doing

• Planning, preparing, and serving high quality meals that meet nutritional standards
• Ensuring the kitchen environment is spotless, safe, and fully compliant with hygiene regulations
• Managing stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining accurate records
• Catering for a range of dietary needs, including allergies, vegan diets, and specialist requirements
• Keeping the service running smoothly so meals are ready on time and in the right quantities
• Attending training sessions to keep your skills sharp and up to date
• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is well maintained and arranging repairs when needed
• Handling telephone enquiries with professionalism and warmth

What You'll Bring

• City & Guilds or NVQ in Catering
• Experience working in a catering environment
• Strong personal hygiene and excellent food presentation skills
• A team focused attitude with the ability to work independently when needed
• Flexibility, resilience, and a positive approach to challenges
• Confidence building relationships with children and young people
• A full driving licence
• Willingness to undertake training and develop your skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
• Experience across a wide range of catering styles
• Knowledge of catering for individuals with complex dietary or health needs
• Menu planning experience
• Ability to work within a set budget
• Awareness of health and safety regulations

Benefits

• 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

About Us

Copper Fields School is a specialist co educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting pupils aged 4-16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, fosters independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering pupils to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.