Kitchen Lead

Kitchen Lead - SEN Specialist School - Welwyn Garden City

This Kitchen Lead position is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced cook or catering professional who enjoys leading a kitchen, maintaining high standards, and working within a school environment that truly values care, inclusion, and community.

Salary: -16,000 - -23,000

Start Date: April

Location: Welwyn Garden City

Sector: Education and Training

Contract: Full-Time | Permanent

Are you passionate about food, teamwork, and making a positive difference? We are seeking a Kitchen Lead to join a welcoming SEN Specialist School in Welwyn Garden City, where your work will play a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and daily routines of pupils with special educational needs in the education and training sector.

The Role:

As Kitchen Lead, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, ensuring nutritious, well-balanced meals are prepared and served in line with dietary, medical, and individual pupil needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing and cooking healthy, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
• Supervising and supporting kitchen staff
• Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen regulations
• Managing stock, ordering supplies, and minimising waste
• Adapting menus to meet dietary requirements and SEN-specific needs
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment

What''s on Offer:

• Salary of -16,000 - -23,000
• A supportive and inclusive SEN school environment
• A role where your work directly supports pupil wellbeing
• A friendly, collaborative staff team in Welwyn Garden City
• Job security and a positive work-life balance within a school setting

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment (supervisory experience desirable)
• Hold a Food Hygiene Certificate (or be willing to obtain one)
• Be organised, reliable, and confident leading a small team
• Understand the importance of meeting dietary and medical needs
• Enjoy working in a school or care-based environment
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing

This Kitchen Lead position in Welwyn Garden City is a permanent role starting in April, ideal for someone looking for a meaningful role within the education and training sector.

If you are looking for a fulfilling position where your skills truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.