School Cook

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title: School Cook
Location: Papworth Hall School, Papworth Everard, CB23 3RD
Salary: £23,638 per annum ( not pro rata )
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first. That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay .

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join !

About the Role

As our School Cook, you'll play a key role in creating delicious, nutritious meals that fuel our pupils and staff every day. Working at the heart of the school, you'll bring warmth, creativity, and professionalism to our kitchen-ensuring everyone is well-fed, cared for, and ready to learn.

You'll take ownership of the daily running of the kitchen, from planning menus to supervising staff, all while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and hygiene. Your meals will make a real difference, especially for pupils with additional needs who rely on consistent, balanced, and thoughtful catering.

What You'll Do

• Plan and prepare high-quality menus that meet pupils' dietary and nutritional needs
• Lead and support the kitchen team, ensuring smooth day-to-day operation
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food hygiene
• Manage stock rotation, portion control, and ordering within budget
• Cater for special dietary requirements and individual needs
• Monitor deliveries, check invoices, and maintain accurate kitchen records
• Report maintenance issues and uphold strict health and safety practices
• Respond flexibly to changing school needs and mealtime requirements

About You

You will have:

• Experience working in catering within a school, residential, or similar setting
• Confidence with menu planning, nutrition, and budgeting
• Knowledge of safe catering practices, food hygiene, and equipment use
• Experience supervising staff and managing a busy kitchen

About Us

Papworth Hall School is a new independent specialist school in a picturesque village in Cambridgeshire, near Huntingdon and Cambridge. We support young people with autism, complex communication needs, and associated learning and emotional challenges. In a nurturing and structured environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Papworth Hall empowers every student to build confidence, independence, and the skills to succeed in life.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• 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

Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.