About Rosscon
Rosscon Training is an Alternative Provision supporting young people who may not have thrived within mainstream education. Our pupils come to us with a wide range of needs, experiences and barriers to learning, and many benefit from a practical, vocational approach to education.
We believe strongly in giving young people opportunities, second chances and meaningful pathways into their future. Relationships are at the heart of what we do. Our staff provide consistency, encouragement and clear boundaries while helping pupils recognise their strengths, develop confidence and gain skills and qualifications that can lead to further education, training and employment.
We are now looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Chef to join our team and take the lead within our catering provision.
The Role
This is much more than a traditional school chef position.
You will be responsible for planning and preparing meals for our pupils while also helping us develop catering as an exciting vocational pathway for young people interested in the hospitality industry.
You will take ownership of the kitchen, including menu planning, food preparation, stock management, food safety and the day-to-day running of the catering provision.
Most importantly, you will work alongside our young people.
We are looking for someone who can share their knowledge and passion for food, involve pupils appropriately in the kitchen and help them develop practical catering skills, confidence and an understanding of what working within a professional kitchen is really like.
What You'll Be Doing
- Planning varied, nutritious and appealing menus for our pupils.
- Preparing and cooking meals for pupils each day.
- Taking responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Ordering ingredients, managing stock and controlling waste.
- Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health and safety.
- Managing allergens, dietary requirements and appropriate food records.
- Working alongside pupils and teaching practical catering and kitchen skills.
- Supporting pupils to develop employability skills, independence and professional kitchen behaviours.
- Helping young people work towards appropriate catering qualifications.
- Supporting the development of our catering curriculum and vocational opportunities.
- Building positive, professional relationships with young people who may have had difficult experiences of education.
- Working closely with teaching, pastoral and senior leadership staff.
Who We're Looking For
You will need to be a qualified and experienced chef with a Level 3 qualification or above in a relevant catering/hospitality discipline.
Previous teaching experience is not essential.
If you're a great chef who enjoys working with young people but have never considered teaching before, we'd still really like to hear from you.
For the right candidate, Rosscon will support and pay for you to complete the relevant teaching qualifications, enabling you to develop from an industry professional into a qualified vocational educator.
We're particularly interested in someone who:
- Is passionate about food and the catering industry.
- Has strong practical cooking skills and industry knowledge.
- Can confidently manage a kitchen and take ownership of menu planning.
- Is patient, approachable, resilient and consistent.
- Can build positive relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Understands that some young people communicate or behave differently when they are struggling.
- Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Wants to inspire young people and show them where practical skills can take them.
- Is willing to learn about SEND, SEMH and Alternative Provision.
- Works well as part of a close and supportive team.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential:
- Level 3 or above relevant catering/chef qualification.
- Appropriate food hygiene knowledge/qualification.
- Professional catering/kitchen experience.
- Willingness to undertake teaching qualifications if not already qualified.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
Desirable:
- Teaching, training or assessing qualification.
- Experience supervising or training apprentices/junior members of staff.
- Experience working with young people.
- Experience within education, SEND, SEMH or Alternative Provision.
Why Join Rosscon?
At Rosscon, vocational education isn't an add-on – it's central to what we do.
You'll have the opportunity to build and lead our catering provision, bring your own industry experience into the curriculum and help young people discover skills and career opportunities they may never previously have considered.
For someone coming directly from industry, we'll support your transition into education and fund the teaching qualifications you need.
You'll join a team that believes young people should not be defined by their previous experiences of education. We focus on what they can achieve next.
If you're a chef who wants to use your skills for something a little different – and you think you could inspire the next generation of chefs – we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding
Rosscon Training is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
To apply, please submit your CV through Indeed along with a brief statement explaining why you would like to bring your catering experience into Rosscon and work with our young people.
Pay: £15.00-£17.50 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Gym membership
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
