Westwood Residential Home – Mickleover, Derby
Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)
Job Type: Part-Time | Permanent
Hours: 2–3 shifts per week
Shift Pattern: 7:45am – 4:00pm
Join Our Team
Westwood Residential Home is a well-established, family-owned mental health residential care home located in Mickleover, Derby. Under new management, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care within a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Cook to join our friendly team on a part-time basis, working 2–3 morning shifts per week.
As our Cook, you will play a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents by preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals that meet a variety of dietary, cultural and individual needs.
About the Role
Working alongside the Registered Manager and care team, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality meals while ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in line with Environmental Health and CQC standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and serving nutritious, home-cooked meals for up to 23 residents.
- Planning and preparing seasonal menus in collaboration with the Registered Manager.
- Catering for individual dietary requirements, allergies, cultural and religious preferences, and modified texture diets (IDDSI).
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and infection prevention.
- Ensuring compliance with Food Safety, Environmental Health, Health & Safety and COSHH regulations.
- Monitoring food temperatures and maintaining accurate kitchen records.
- Completing weekly stock checks and placing food orders to minimise waste and remain within budget.
- Rotating stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
- Participating in monthly kitchen meetings and contributing ideas for menu development.
- Supporting a positive dining experience for residents by ensuring meals are nutritious, well presented and enjoyable.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience as a Cook, Chef or Catering Assistant.
- Enjoys preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
- Has excellent knowledge of food hygiene and food safety legislation.
- Understands the importance of providing person-centred care through nutrition.
- Can confidently manage a kitchen independently.
- Is organised and able to prioritise workload effectively.
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high kitchen standards.
- Has a positive, flexible and proactive attitude.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Cook or Chef.
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- Good knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control.
- Knowledge of food allergens and safe food preparation.
- Experience completing stock control and ordering.
- Understanding of food temperature monitoring and kitchen documentation.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain).
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate.
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or Catering.
- Previous experience working within a care home, healthcare or residential setting.
- Knowledge of IDDSI modified diets.
- Nutrition and Hydration training.
- Allergen Awareness training.
- Experience preparing meals for older adults or people with mental health needs.
- Experience working within CQC and Environmental Health standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive rate of pay.
- Paid induction and on-the-job training.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support to gain additional catering qualifications.
- Regular supervision and support from the management team.
- Free on-site parking.
- A friendly, supportive and welcoming team environment.
- Opportunities to contribute to menu development and improve the resident dining experience.
Why Join Westwood?
At Westwood Residential Home, we believe that great food is an important part of wellbeing. Every meal is an opportunity to provide comfort, choice and enjoyment to our residents. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering nutritious, high-quality meals while creating a positive dining experience.
If you are passionate about cooking, enjoy working as part of a caring team, and want to make a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Important Information
- This role requires flexibility to work 2–3 shifts per week, with each shift running from 7:45am to 4:00pm. One weekend on and one weekend off
- Additional shifts may be available to cover annual leave and sickness.
- We do not offer sponsorship for this position.
- Employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and pre-employment checks.
- Westwood Residential Home is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.
Equal Opportunities
Westwood Residential Home is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
If you are passionate about cooking, enjoy working in a caring environment, and want to make a real difference to residents' lives, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.80 per hour
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Ability to manage Kitchen health safety inspections
Work Location: In person
