Exceptio nal P eople Deserve Exceptional Staff Nash College, part of Shaftesbury a Christian charity, is a thriving successful College; providing specialist day and residential education for 80 students, aged 19 to 25 with a range of complex learning needs and physical disabilities. Working at Nash offers you excellent career prospects and training opportunities. We also offer excellent holidays, as well as a pension plan. About the Role Are you passionate about making a difference through food? Are you motivated to produce meals that really make a difference? We are looking for a fulltime, caring and reliable Cook to prepare healthy and nutritious meals for our students who have a range of complex learning needs, including those with complex dietary needs. Our students dietary needs include: In this role, you will lead on preparing safe, enjoyable, and nutritious meals for our students, ensuring their dietary needs are safely met with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to promoting independence wherever possible. You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of catering, ensuring the safe preparation and serving of enjoyable, and nutritious meals for our students. Your role will focus on meeting individuals dietary needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported. Together alongside your colleagues as a team, you will foster a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to delivering high quality provision for students with special and complex educational needs, helping them thrive both physically and socially. This is truly rewarding opportunity and is an exciting opportunity to join our team, where your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of young people. You will play a key part in promoting their health, wellbeing and independence, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values professional growth. The successful candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to encouraging independence wherever possible. You will bring enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy, along with a genuine passion for supporting students. A calm, adaptable approach and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role. Key Responsibilities Meal Preparation & Cooking Prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of students and staff. Adapt menus to support medical, cultural, sensory, and allergy-related dietary requirements. Prepare meals in appropriate textures (e.g., soft, pur ed) for students with swallowing or sensory difficulties (dysphasic). Menu Planning Create weekly menus that follow nutritional guidelines and college policies. Work with the all colleagues to design meals that support students individual needs. Plan cost-effective menus while minimising food waste. Food Safety & Hygiene Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen at all times. Follow all food hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP procedures, allergy protocols). Ensure safe storage, handling, and rotation of stock (FIFO). Supporting Students (Where Applicable) Assist students in life-skills or catering classes by demonstrating safe food preparation techniques. Encourage independence and confidence in learners with SEND when taking part in kitchen-related activities. Provide a calm, supportive environment that accommodates students sensory or behavioural needs. Communication & Collaboration Work closely with teaching staff, pastoral staff, and support workers to understand learners needs. Communicate effectively about dietary changes, allergies, or concerns. Liaise with suppliers and ensure deliveries meet quality standards. Compliance & Record-Keeping Keep accurate records of temperatures, cleaning schedules, and allergy management. Follow safeguarding practices, including awareness of vulnerable learners. Adhere to college policies, including health & safety and equality & diversity. Kitchen Management Monitor stock levels and place orders as needed. Oversee the use and maintenance of kitchen equipment. Ensure safe working practices for yourself and anyone entering the kitchen (including learners). Qualifications Qualified health and safety and food hygiene Knowledge of food safety compliance Awareness of differing dietary requirements(training can be provided). Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Good communication skills. Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to student safety. Why Join Us? What you will enjoy: Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to live healthy lives. Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment. Safeguarding This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes. Equality and Diversity Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them. Application Process Job Description and Application Form on request please contact: GuiGui Mawete GMawete@Shaftesburygroup.org Closing date: 09/01/2025 Interview Dates: 12/01/2025 Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates. Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.