Cook - Larchwood
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
We have a part-time, permanent opportunity for a cook in our short break children's home - Larchwood. At Larchwood, we provide short break overnight respite care for children and young people with severe and complex needs.
About you...
You will be a team player who is enthusiastic about supporting the team to provide the highest quality of care to our children and young people through the preparation of meals that meet the children and young people’s individual needs.
We are looking for someone with a minimum of Level 2 Hygiene qualification and previous experience of working within the catering sector. You will also have understanding of the routine cleaning and maintaining that are required for food preparation. An understanding of and commitment to the requirements of safeguarding children and young people and promoting their welfare is also required.
About the team...
Working at Larchwood is both fun and challenging. You will be surrounded by a team who care passionately about the work we do and who equally recognise the importance of being supportive to each other.
The children and young people are all unique and require individualised care. Staff strive for excellence and ensure that the care provided is responsive to the children and young people’s view, wishes and feelings.
Key responsibilities...
- Preparing home-cooked meals in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation
- Ensuring individual dietary needs are understood and catered for
- Being aware of allergens within foods and ensuring safety when preparing and cooking meals
Our benefits...
- 25 days* annual leave increasing to 28 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
- The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Sports and Social Club.
- Staff dental and health plans.
- Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
- Supermarket discount.
Our values
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Interview date...
Interviews will be held on Friday, 11th July 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Name: Clare Turner
Job title: unit manager
Phone number: 01344 452315
At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Salary range
- £10,026 - £10,495 per year