Cook

Job Introduction

Job Title: Cook – Children’s Short Break Home

Working Pattern: Part-time, 20 hours per week, rota including alternate weekends and occasional bank holidays

Salary: £14,048 - £14,731

Location: Boston

Closing Date: 7th June 2026

We are looking for a caring, flexible and organised Cook to join our Children with Disabilities Short Break Home team.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing fresh, home-cooked meals and wants to make a real difference to children’s experiences in a residential short break setting.

The role is 20 hours per week, working across a rota that includes alternate weekends and occasional bank holidays, helping ensure children receive consistent, high-quality care during their stay.

About the role

You will prepare meals for up to 5 children each day, alongside meals for staff on shift, ensuring all meals are nutritious, appealing and tailored to individual needs. You’ll work closely with the care team to understand each child’s dietary requirements, preferences and routines.

This role suits someone who enjoys working in a smaller, person-centred environment where flexibility is essential. Attendance can sometimes change at short notice, meaning menus may need to be adapted quickly to meet new dietary requirements or staffing arrangements.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals for up to 5 children daily
• Provide meals for staff during shifts
• Create varied menus that meet a range of dietary, allergy and cultural needs
• Order food supplies and manage stock within budget
• Maintain high food hygiene and kitchen safety standards
• Adapt menus confidently when children attending or staffing changes at short notice
• Support a warm and positive mealtime experience in the home

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience in a cook or catering role
• Ideally has experience in schools, care homes, residential care or similar settings
• Is creative and enjoys preparing varied meals
• Has strong planning and organisational skills
• Can respond calmly and effectively to changing circumstances
• Understands specialist dietary needs and food preparation requirements
• Works well as part of a team
• Takes pride in creating a welcoming kitchen environment

Why join us?

This role offers the chance to be part of a supportive team where your contribution has a direct impact on children’s wellbeing. Mealtimes are an important part of the care experience, and your role will help children feel safe, comfortable and cared for during their stay.

If you are passionate about cooking and want to work in a role where your skills genuinely support children and families, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Vicky Cooke via email vicky.cooke@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.