ook / Chef - Bristol

Location: Bristol
Salary: £27,105.31 - £30,354.94 (£14.43 - £16.16 per hour)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only (41 weeks)
Working Hours: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Start Date: 1 December 2026

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Cook/Chef to join a brand-new specialist school in Bristol, opening its doors in January 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a new school and play a key role in establishing its catering provision from the outset.

The school will provide a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious environment for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With a capacity of approximately 96 students, the school is committed to creating a safe, enriching and aspirational environment where every learner can thrive.

We are looking for a passionate and organised Cook/Chef to lead the school's catering provision, creating nutritious, home-cooked meals that support the health, wellbeing and development of pupils.

Your Role

As the Cook/Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, ensuring pupils and staff receive high-quality, nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment.

You will play an important role in developing menus, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards and creating a positive dining experience, while working closely with colleagues, pupils and families to meet a range of dietary and sensory needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, cooking and serving nutritious meals using fresh ingredients wherever possible
• Planning balanced and appealing menus that meet a range of dietary, allergen and sensory requirements
• Managing stock control, ordering and budgeting to ensure an effective and efficient catering service
• Supervising and supporting kitchen staff, including rota management, training and day-to-day guidance
• Building positive relationships with pupils, encouraging healthy eating and gathering feedback on menu choices
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance with catering legislation
• Working closely with pupils, staff and suppliers to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing and meet a range of dietary, allergen and sensory needs

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about creating healthy, home-cooked food and enjoys working as part of a school community.

You will have:

• Experience preparing and cooking meals using a wide range of fresh ingredients
• Knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and relevant catering legislation
• Experience managing stock, portion control and working within a budget
• Knowledge of special diets, allergens and nutritional requirements
• Experience supervising or supporting staff within a catering environment
• Excellent communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and/or additional needs and how these may impact catering provision

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPENCER CLARKE GROUP

All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy.

• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained.
• You must have legal right to work in the UK.
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview.