School Cook

Strive for Education (Strive) was founded in 2020, originally set up as an Alternative Provision and subsequently registered as an Independent Specialist School.  In our Ofsted inspection we were graded ‘Good’, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes, see: Strive’s Ofsted Inspection Report

Strive provides education for those who do not attend mainstream school on a full-time basis or who have a specialist provision named in their Educational Healthcare plan (EHCP). Full details about Strive can be found using the following link striveforeducation.co.uk  Strive is looking to expand staff capacity by employing a cook to create delicious and nutritious meals for our students. 

The school operates from several sites throughout Harrogate, this includes North Park Road (NPR) in Harrogate town centre, which was the original hub.  In 2024 Strive opened the Vocational Centre in Hookstone Park, to offer practical, vocational qualifications alongside core academic and personal development courses.

In 2025 Strive added capacity further by opening an additional site at Bishop Thornton, north of Harrogate. In addition to the core subjects, this site has a focus on outdoor education, natural environment studies, small animals, bushcraft, horticulture, gardening, landscaping and life skills. Strive operates a highly successful Outreach Programme which covers educational provision cross all sites in Harrogate but also covers young people on-roll from the Leeds area.

The successful applicant would be required to prepare meals and comply with all health and safety and carry out kitchen due diligence checks. Bishop Thornton has cohorts of 2 x classes of 6 young people. 

Our cooks have a big role in providing food and experiences to those who may not wish to try foods or who have sensory needs. 

We are looking for the ‘right’ applicant to add value and contribute in a positive and dynamic way to this exciting and rewarding role.

This can be a challenging but rewarding environment, working with young people who may struggle to regulate their emotions at times. Students will at times present challenging behaviours and staff must have the experience, confidence and emotional resilience to deal with this. 

All students will have some form of SEND need. Most will either be categorised as Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). All will need extra support to access their work and help and guidance to manage emotions is often needed. Some students experience difficulties that regularly interfere with their social and learning development and have been directed to access specialist provision to receive this support. Some students will find it difficult to work in core groups of 6 students with 2 adults and may need higher levels of support.

• Prepare daily meals, snacks, and special diets in accordance with the school menu and nutritional guidelines.
• Adapt recipes and textures to meet individual dietary, allergy, medical, or sensory needs (e.g., gluten-free, pureed, low-allergen meals).
• Ensure food is prepared to high standards of taste, presentation, and nutritional balance.

• Contribute to planning seasonal menus that promote healthy eating and variety.
• Work with staff, parents, and healthcare professionals to ensure menus meet pupils’ specific needs
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies within an agreed budget.

• Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen in line with school policies and health & safety regulations.
• Carry out daily cleaning tasks and ensure all food storage is safe, labelled, and temperature-controlled.
• Maintain accurate records (e.g., temperature logs, allergen checks, cleaning schedules).
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations and SEN-related safeguarding practices.

• Prepare meals that encourage positive experiences with food, including for pupils with sensory sensitivities or feeding challenges.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff to understand pupil needs.
• Maintain a calm, supportive, and child-focused approach to mealtimes.

• Work closely with the school leadership and staff.
• Communicate clearly about daily menu changes, dietary concerns, or issues.
• Support a positive, inclusive school culture.

• Training will be provided, including time to shadow our school cook at a different site
• Mentoring will be available
• Staff training and development is supported and encouraged.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings and training as required

• Staff wellbeing is a priority at Strive.
• We encourage staff to finish their day during their contracted hours.
• Individual must contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of Strive
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other professionals to support the progress of students
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities
• Be responsible for maintaining and updating records, information and data in line with policies.

Essential

• Understanding of dietary needs, allergies, and food safety requirements.
• Ability to adapt meals for pupils with complex needs.
• High standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Positive, patient, and child-centred approach.

Desirable

• Experience preparing meals in a professional kitchen or similar setting.
• Experience working in a school, care, or SEN environment.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 or above.
• Knowledge of texture-modified diets, allergen management, or medical dietary plans.
• Work closely with the school leadership and staff.
• Communicate clearly about daily menu changes, dietary concerns, or issues.

All staff members must adhere to and promote professional standards including Strive’s code of conduct and values. 

• The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties, commensurate within the grade, at the discretion of the Senior Leadership Team and develop and promote high standards of professional conduct throughout the school.
• You will be expected to carry out your duties in line with policies, procedures and relevant legislation. You will be made aware of these in your appointment letter, statement of particulars, induction, ongoing performance management and development through school communications.
• You will be required to work at any premises which Strive has or subsequently acquires or at which it may, from time to time, provide services.
• You will be expected to attend and participate in a wide variety of meetings as well as training and development activities to support Strive and your own professional development.
• As part of your wider duties and responsibilities you will be required to promote and actively support the school’s responsibilities towards safeguarding. Safeguarding is about keeping people safe and protecting people from harm, neglect, abuse and injury. It is about creating safe places, being vigilant and doing something about any concerns you might have. It isn’t just about the very old and the very young, it is about everyone who may be vulnerable.
• The post holder must be willing to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that a conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For all roles we require a minimum of two references.  References provided must cover the last 3 years and include most recent employment. We will need to request all references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults.  

Strive for Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Recruitment is carried out following safer recruitment principles.  All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and disclosures with the relevant body at an enhanced level. All staff are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Strive for Education Ltd is a “data controller”. This means we are required under data protection legislation to notify you of how we will, collect process and store your personal data during the application and recruitment process. Please review our ‘Privacy Notice for Prospective Employees’.   

Applicants are asked to submit their completed application forms along with a covering letter detailing why you would like a position at Strive.  Successfully shortlisted applicants will be contacted to discuss interview dates. 

Click on link here for Application Form 4. Strive for Education Application form School cook