Overview

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a dedicated and skilled Cook to join our Children and Families team at The Firs. This unique role is central to the daily lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs. As the sole Cook in a domestic-style residential setting, you will be responsible for creating a warm, homely, and child-centred environment through the provision of high-quality, nutritious evening meals.

You will oversee the effective day-to-day management of the kitchen, encompassing everything from creative menu planning to food preparation. Accuracy is vital; you must manage complex dietary, religious, and allergy requirements with total precision. Your duties include monitoring the quality and quantity of supplies, collaborating with the wider staff team on ordering, and ensuring cost-effective stock management.

Maintaining impeccable standards of cleanliness and hygiene is a core requirement. You will ensure all preparation areas and utensils are sterilised, adhering strictly to food health and safety regulations. While The Firs reflects a family home, it operates within a professional care framework. You will work under the supervision of the Registered Manager and shift leads, contributing directly to the physical and emotional well-being of our residents in line with the centre’s Statement of Purpose.

The successful candidate will be a compassionate culinary professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. You must be responsive to the individual needs of young people, ensuring every meal provides comfort and nourishment in a safe, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

An understanding and awareness of the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy
Able to read and write in English
A commitment to promoting the rights and dignity of people who have learning disabilities
Some experience in cleaning
The potential to prioritise and manage personal workload
Ability to work as part of a team

Related Documents

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria