How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: School Cook
Location: Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7AX
Salary: £19,318.94 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 26.5 hours per week | Monday to Thursday 08:00–14:00 | Friday 10:00–12:30
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: December 2025
UK applicants only — this role does not offer visa sponsorship
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a School Cook to join our close-knit team at Waterloo Lodge School, part of Options Autism.
About the Role
As our School Cook, you’ll be the heart of our school community — creating fresh, delicious, and nutritious meals that fuel our pupils for learning, play, and everything in between.
Every day, you’ll bring energy and creativity to the kitchen, crafting meals that not only meet dietary needs but also put smiles on faces. From hearty homemade favourites to exciting, healthy options, you’ll make mealtimes something everyone looks forward to.
In this role, you will:
* Cook up vibrant, nutritious meals that keep pupils energised and ready to learn
* Design menus that are balanced, tasty, and inclusive of all dietary needs
* Maintain top-tier hygiene, safety, and food quality standards — because excellence is your recipe
* Take pride in presentation — every plate leaving your kitchen looks as good as it tastes
* Manage stock smartly: ordering, rotating, and minimising waste like a pro
* Work as part of a friendly, supportive team that values your ideas and passion
* Help make lunchtime a highlight of every school day
Who we’re looking for:
* A qualified cook (City & Guilds/NVQ in Catering or equivalent) with experience in a busy kitchen
* Someone with a flair for flavour, a love for fresh food, and a genuine care for young people’s wellbeing
* A team player who thrives in a buzzing, positive environment
* A creative, organised chef who takes pride in every plate they serve
This isn’t just a cooking job — it’s an opportunity to inspire healthier habits, bring joy through food, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our pupils every single day.
About Us
Waterloo Lodge is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.
We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to 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.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
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.
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