Cook jobs

Be there for your community when they need you most! Join us as a Cook, preparing nutritious meals for children and young people in a supportive environment.

Job Summary

We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic Cooks to join our warm and welcoming team at The Big House, a Nottinghamshire County Council children’s disabilities home. This is more than a catering role. It’s an opportunity to contribute to a nurturing environment where your work directly supports children’s wellbeing and happiness.

As a Cook, you will lead all catering within the home, preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for children, young people, staff and visitors. Working closely with care colleagues, you will ensure meals meet individual dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements, while helping to create positive and enjoyable mealtime experiences.

You will share the rota with another cook, helping provide a consistent and supportive service across the week. You will take pride in producing well-presented, balanced meals, maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently to support the day-to-day running of the home.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious meals within an agreed budget
• Create menus that meet a range of dietary and nutritional needs
• Maintain excellent standards of kitchen hygiene and cleanliness
• Receive and check food deliveries for quality and accuracy
• Manage food storage, stock control and kitchen security
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations
• Maintain cleaning schedules and safe working practices
• Support COSHH and risk assessments relating to kitchen equipment and materials
• Work positively with children, staff and visitors to create a welcoming mealtime experience

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience cooking for small groups in a catering or similar environment (approximately 4–12 people)
  Can plan menus and manage food purchasing within a budget
  Understands food hygiene, health and safety, and healthy eating principles
  Holds a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
  Works well independently and as part of a team
  Builds positive, respectful relationships with children and colleagues
  Takes pride in delivering high standards of food and service

Most importantly, you will be compassionate, reliable, and committed to creating a safe and positive environment for children.

Why Join The Big House?

At The Big House, every role contributes to helping children feel valued, supported and cared for. Mealtimes are an important part of each child’s stay, and your cooking will help create positive experiences and lasting memories.

If you are passionate about cooking and want your work to have real purpose, we would love to hear from you.

Additional Information

You will be working 27.5 hours per week, working alternate weekends. Pay enhancements for weekend working are provided. Working hours are 11am-17:30pm weekdays and 10:00am-17:30pm on weekends.

We will also consider applications from candidates interested in working on a relief basis. Please indicate this in your application if this is your preference.

What We Offer You

As part of Nottinghamshire County Council, you’ll receive:

• A comprehensive and supportive induction
• Regular supervision and strong peer support
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Access to wellbeing, health, and counselling support
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (6.5% employer contribution)

If you want to be part of a team that truly cares, where your work has purpose and impact every single day, we would love to hear from you.