Job Description
Kitchen Lead - SEN Specialist School - Welwyn Garden City
Salary: £16,000 - £23,000
Start Date: April
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Sector: Education and Training
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Are you passionate about food, teamwork, and making a positive difference? We are seeking a Kitchen Lead to join a welcoming SEN Specialist School in Welwyn Garden City, where your work will play a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and daily routines of pupils with special educational needs in the education and training sector.
This Kitchen Lead position is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced cook or catering professional who enjoys leading a kitchen, maintaining high standards, and working within a school environment that truly values care, inclusion, and community.
The Role:
As Kitchen Lead, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, ensuring nutritious, well-balanced meals are prepared and served in line with dietary, medical, and individual pupil needs.
Key Responsibilities:
* Preparing and cooking healthy, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
* Supervising and supporting kitchen staff
* Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen regulations
* Managing stock, ordering supplies, and minimising waste
* Adapting menus to meet dietary requirements and SEN-specific needs
* Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment
What's on Offer:
* Salary of £16,000 - £23,000
* A supportive and inclusive SEN school environment
* A role where your work directly supports pupil wellbeing
* A friendly, collaborative staff team in Welwyn Garden City
* Job security and a positive work-life balance within a school setting
The Ideal Candidate Will:
* Have previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment (supervisory experience desirable)
* Hold a Food Hygiene Certificate (or be willing to obtain one)
* Be organised, reliable, and confident leading a small team
* Understand the importance of meeting dietary and medical needs
* Enjoy working in a school or care-based environment
* Be committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing
This Kitchen Lead position in Welwyn Garden City is a permanent role starting in April, ideal for someone looking for a meaningful role within the education and training sector.
If you are looking for a fulfilling position where your skills truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.