Prep Cook jobs

To assist the Head Chef and kitchen team in preparing, cooking, and serving high-quality, nutritious meals for residents. Ensure all food safety, hygiene, and dietary guidelines—including modified-texture diets and specific allergen requirements—are strictly met in accordance with care home standards and food safety regulations.

Key ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation & Cooking:

o Assist in preparing fresh, seasonal ingredients (washing, chopping, measuring) for breakfast, lunch, tea, and baked goods.

o Cook simple dishes and assist senior chefs during service times.

o Prepare texture-modified foods (IDDSI Framework Levels 3–6) safely and present them appetizingly for residents with dysphagia.

o Follow set recipes, menus, and portion guidelines to ensure consistency and minimize waste.

Food Safety & Hygiene:

o Maintain exceptionally high standards of cleanliness across all food preparation, cooking, and storage areas.

o Adhere strictly to Food Safety Regulations, HACCP principles, and COSHH guidelines.

o Complete daily kitchen control logs, including fridge/freezer temperature checks, core cooking temperatures, and cleaning schedules.

o Correctly label, date, and store all food items to prevent cross-contamination.

Dietary & Resident Care:

o Work closely with the care team to understand individual resident dietary needs, allergies, and cultural preferences.

o Maintain strict allergen isolation during preparation to prevent cross-contact. Stock & Kitchen Management:

o Help accept, inspect, and rotate deliveries (FIFO method) into dry stores, chillers, and freezers.

o Operate, clean, and assist in maintaining commercial kitchen equipment safely.

o Support the team with dishwashing, pot washing, and kitchen deep cleaning as needed.

Person Specification

o Basic experience working in a commercial, catering, or healthcare kitchen.

oExperience in a care home, hospital, or institutional environment.

Skills & Attributes

o Understanding of food hygiene and basic knife skills

o Good communication and teamwork skills

o Patient, empathetic, and respectful attitude toward elderly residents

o Ability to work efficiently under pressure during peak meal times

Working Conditions & Benefits

Hours:

Shift-based including early mornings, evenings, and alternate weekends.Requirements: Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check required.

Requirements & Skills:

​o Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate preferred.

​o Knowledge of specialized dietary requirement standards (e.g., IDDSI textures) preferred.

​o Strong organization, communication, and time-management skills.

​o An empathetic attitude and genuine passion for enriching the lives of older adults through good food.

​Benefits:
​Competitive salary and pension scheme

​Predictable daytime shift patterns with a healthy work-life balance

​Ongoing training, qualifications, and career development

Pay: £13.00-£14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person