Lead Cook

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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