We are looking for a responsible, caring School Cook/Chef to join our friendly and supportive team of dedicated professionals and who shares our vision to build incredible futures by empowering vulnerable young people, to be happy and to make their way in the world.

Dacorum Education Support Centre is a unique organisation that works with young people who, for one reason or another, are not in mainstream education.  We support the individual and their family and work together to achieve appropriate outcomes and secure a positive way forward for the future.  We firmly believe effective relationships are an essential prerequisite of effective learning.

 We are a split site and although this role is based at our Barncroft Campus site in Grovehill, Hemel Hempstead, you will be providing fresh home cooked food for approximately 70 learners and staff across our 3 key sites – KS1&2 and KS3 at Tenzing Road (Adeyfield) and KS4 at Barncroft Campus (Grovehill)

 Do you have:

• Willingness to work with SLT, staff and learners to deliver a service they love
• The ability to form excellent professional relationships with learners, staff, parents and all stakeholders
• Excellent catering skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of allergens
• Knowledge of food storage, kitchen equipment checks and all statutory requirements
• Budget control

 Are you able to:

• Be an effective team player
• Work using your own initiative
• Be adaptable
• Work under pressure
• Help with basic kitchen tasks including stock taking

The rewards are huge:

• You get to be part of an outstanding organisation that is constantly evolving
• You will be a valued member of a friendly, caring and sharing team that work holistically and inclusively
• You will have access to excellent CPD opportunities
• You will get the benefits of our wellbeing programme
• You will have a direct impact on the future life chances of the pupils you affect

 Hours:

 The normal hours of duty will be 34 hours per week Term Time Only and typically the working pattern will be similarly to below:

·         Monday 8:00-3:30

·         Tuesday 8:00-3:30

·         Wednesday 8:00-5:00

·         Thursday 8:00-3:30

·         Friday 8:00-3:30

 Probationary Period: New employees to the Centre will be required to satisfactorily complete a six-month probationary period of service.

 DESC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance and enhanced checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service

 We are required to conduct online searches about all candidates as part of the shortlisting process, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, in order to identify any incidents or concerns which are publicly available online.  By submitting your application, you acknowledge that such searches will be conducted as part of the shortlisting process.

 We encourage candidates to apply asap as the Centre reserves the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate sooner