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Job Title:  School Chef
Location:   Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Hours:  30 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 2.00pm
Salary:  £24,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As our School Chef, you will play a vital role in delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals that support the wellbeing of pupils, staff, and visitors. You will oversee the full catering operation, ensuring meals are planned, prepared, and served to the highest standards while maintaining a safe, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment. Alongside leading the kitchen team, you will ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety standards, and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Menu Planning

• Plan and prepare balanced, high‑quality menus that meet the dietary needs of all Service Users.
• Ensure appropriate preparation is completed for daily and weekly food demands.
• Provide suitable meals for individuals with special dietary requirements.
• Monitor food stocks through date rotation, portion control, and quality checks while working within budget.
• Minimise waste through careful planning, preparation and monitoring.

Kitchen Operations

• Set up and clean down kitchen areas before and after use.
• Check daily meal requirements for staff, visitors, and Service Users.
• Maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment in line with Health & Safety and food hygiene standards.
• Report any equipment faults, maintenance issues or hazards promptly.
• Place and manage food orders, resolve supplier queries or complaints, and check deliveries and invoices for accuracy.

About You

• Experienced and confident in preparing and cooking a variety of foods to a high standard.
• Skilled in menu planning with a focus on nutritional needs and effective budget management.
• Strong understanding of catering practices, including correct usage and storage of ingredients and equipment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations and best‑practice hygiene procedures.

About Us

Brick Lane School is an independent specialist school in East London for autistic pupils.

We provide a safe, welcoming environment shaped by Outcomes First Group’s Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupil’s needs are met. Through positive relationships and a holistic approach, we empower young people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

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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