School Chef

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Are you an innovative School Chef committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people?

We are excited to announce the opening of two brand-new Options Autism schools in County Durham, designed to provide exceptional education and support for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism.

Strawberry Lane School, also located in Durham, will accommodate 60 pupils aged 11 to 19 years. We are looking for a passionate SEN Teacher to contribute to the growth and success of this new school.

Job Title: School Chef

Location: Strawberry Lane School - Durham, DH6 5BE

Salary: £20,000 per annum

Hours: 30 hours per week; Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent ,Term Time only

Start Date: September 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the role

To be responsible for the planning and preparation of high-quality food and catering service to the school. To manage and supervise all kitchen staff.

Key Task Areas and Responsibilities

• To plan menus for the school with reference to the dietary needs of our young people
• To undertake the monitoring of stocks by date rotation, portion control and quality and in accordance with the budgetary controls set
• To set up and clean down the kitchen areas before and after day to day use
• To ensure that necessary preparation is undertaken for the day/weekly demand/needs of the School
• To be observant of the need to minimise waste
• To provide suitable food to staff/pupils with special dietary requirements

If you want a phone call with the headteacher for further information please email

Why join Options Autism?

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And that's not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.