Position Start Date: 22/04/2025 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 19/03/2025 Midnight Date of Interviews: As selected application forms received.
Required: April 2025
Working Pattern: 33 Hours per working week. Days: Monday-Wednesday inclusive 7.30am to 3.30pm, Thursday 7.30am to 3pm and Friday 7.30am to 11.30am. Term time + Inset Days (working 39 weeks per year).
We are seeking to appoint an efficient, enthusiastic and committed Head Cook with a passion for great quality food to join our Catering team in our Academy, which holds Good Ofsted status. Our residential provision holds Outstanding Ofsted status. Ramsden Hall Academy is a Residential Special School for boys aged 10 to 16 who have an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing meals and beverages to a high standard, directing catering staff in the preparation of meals, food service, dish and utensil washing, and general cleaning and other tasks associated with catering.
Duties and responsibilities:
1. Plan and follow menus following sound nutritional requirements in consultation with the Catering Manager.
2. Prepare, cook and serve main meals, salads and sandwiches to required standards.
3. Implement portion control and avoidance of waste.
4. Organise functions and dishes as required.
5. Organise the catering work of the kitchen with respect to the needs of the Academy.
6. Train and direct catering staff.
7. Carry out temperature checks on all food cooked, record and report to Catering Manager.
8. Record fridge and freezer temperatures (2 times daily) and report to Catering Manager.
9. Induct and train new members of catering staff.
10. Ensure health and safety regulations are observed and implemented in working practices.
11. Liaise with residential staff in providing supplies for residential.
12. Support Catering Manager with Food Safety and Hygiene audits.
13. Attend meetings with Catering Manager.
14. Operate kitchen machinery as required.
15. Assist with the setting up of the service counter and clearing of service area.
16. Wash crockery, cutlery, cooking and serving utensils and kitchen machinery.
17. Support the Catering Manager in maintaining food stock levels, including stock taking and stock rotation.
18. Assist in the routine cleaning of the kitchen and kitchen equipment.
19. Assist in any task associated with catering as required.
20. Report any accidents, fire, theft, loss, damage, or unfit food immediately.
21. Work in the Academy's kitchen as requested.
Experience, Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and Aptitudes Required:
1. Knowledge of health & safety and good hygiene practice in the kitchen through holding current Level 2 awards in Food Safety and Health & Safety.
2. Currently studying or holding Level 3 Food Safety award is preferred.
3. Minimum 3 years Assistant Cook experience in a busy kitchen, preferably within the education sector.
4. 1-year Head Cook experience is preferred but not essential.
5. Proven high standards of food hygiene and preparation standards.
6. Excellent catering working knowledge of allergens and cross-contamination awareness.
7. Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise effectively.
8. Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate to staff and students at all levels.
9. Proactive approach with a 'can-do' attitude.
10. Excellent organisation skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
We will offer you:
* A friendly and supportive working environment
* Automatic enrolment into Local Government Pension Scheme
* Continuous Professional Development
* Free onsite car/bike parking at our Academy
* Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
* A responsive, supportive and involved team
* A Residential Academy that is fully committed to nurturing the potential in all of our pupils.
Potential candidates are invited to contact us for an informal conversation, please contact Jane Quilter- HR Operations Manager on telephone: 01277 624580 or email: jquilter@ramsdenhall.org.uk. We reserve the right to call applicants to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
To apply please complete the application form, which can be found on our website, or follow this link: https://ramsdenhall.org.uk/careers/vacancies. This form must be fully completed and submitted to jquilter@ramsdenhall.org.uk (unaccompanied CVs or third-party application forms will not be accepted) by the closing date stated.
Ramsden Hall Academy (RHA) is part of the Parallel Learning Trust (PLT), a Multi Academy Trust based in Carshalton and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils attending the Academy. As the duties of this post involve regular contact with children, any offer to the successful candidate will be conditional upon an Enhanced Disclosure being obtained via the Disclosure and Barring Service, medical clearance, and satisfactory references.
Information about the School
Ramsden Hall Academy is a Residential Special School for male students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) based in Ramsden Heath, Billericay, Essex.
The Academy was judged Good at its recent Ofsted inspections and is part of the Parallel Learning Trust, a Multi Academy Trust and DfE approved sponsor.
The Academy works with up to 100 secondary-age and Year 6 male students who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) for Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) issues offering a residential provision.
The Academy aims to support all students with their specific needs and barriers to learning to enable them to reach their full potential both academically and in terms of managing their behaviour.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
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