We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge
Job Title: Lead Cook
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8am - 2pm
Salary: £19,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only plus 2 weeks
Start: July 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you passionate about creating nutritious, delicious meals that make a real difference every day? Do you thrive in a busy kitchen where no two days are the same? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our school community.
As a valued member of our team, you’ll work under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in delivering a high‑quality catering service that supports the wellbeing of our children and young people. You’ll uphold our school ethos, contribute to a positive working environment, and bring pride and professionalism to everything you do.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Planning, preparing, and serving high‑quality meals that meet nutritional standards
- Ensuring the kitchen environment is spotless, safe, and fully compliant with hygiene regulations
- Managing stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining accurate records
- Catering for a range of dietary needs, including allergies, vegan diets, and specialist requirements
- Keeping the service running smoothly so meals are ready on time and in the right quantities
- Attending training sessions to keep your skills sharp and up to date
- Ensuring all kitchen equipment is well maintained and arranging repairs when needed
- Handling telephone enquiries with professionalism and warmth
What You’ll Bring
- City & Guilds or NVQ in Catering
- Experience working in a catering environment
- Strong personal hygiene and excellent food presentation skills
- A team‑focused attitude with the ability to work independently when needed
- Flexibility, resilience, and a positive approach to challenges
- Confidence building relationships with children and young people
- A full driving licence
- Willingness to undertake training and develop your skills
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
Desirable
- Experience across a wide range of catering styles
- Knowledge of catering for individuals with complex dietary or health needs
- Menu planning experience
- Ability to work within a set budget
- Awareness of health and safety regulations
About Us
Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting pupils aged 4–16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, fosters independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering pupils to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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