Are you a passionate and skilled cook who enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people? Birmingham Children's Trust is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our Residential Children's Home team.
Our aim is to create a nurturing environment where children can develop the skills and confidence, they need for day-to-day life. We support children with emotional well-being, health, and social needs, tailoring our care to meet their individual requirements.
We are looking for an experienced, reliable and hard-working Cook to join our team within our residential home. In this role, you will be responsible for meal planning, food preparation and cooking, serving nutritious, balanced and enjoyable meals that meet a range of dietary, cultural, religious and individual needs whilst also ensuring high standards of health, safety and hygiene at all times. You will support the children’s individual dietary needs, manage stock and maintain accurate records, and work collaboratively with colleagues to create a positive dining experience.
A key part of the role is demonstrating cultural sensitivity and an understanding of food aversions and sensory challenges, helping to ensure all children feel comfortable, supported and included at mealtimes. You will receive full support, ongoing training, and development opportunities. The Residential provision is a 24hr service, applicants for these roles will be expected to work shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.
No two days are the same. You will work closely with residential staff and young people to develop varied menus, manage food supplies and budgets, and ensure the kitchen operates to the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and hygiene. You will also have the opportunity to engage with children and young people, encouraging healthy eating habits and making mealtimes a positive part of daily life.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in delivering high-quality food, has excellent organisational skills, and understands the important role that good nutrition plays in supporting children's health, wellbeing, and development.
This is an exciting time to join us, and we need the right talent to help us to continue to improve and grow our services. You will receive full support, ongoing training, and development opportunities.
The Residential provision is a 24 hour service, applicants for these roles will be expected to work shifts, some weekends, and bank holidays.
We have been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, following a 2023 inspection. This is a fantastic achievement for Birmingham Children's Trust, with many positive highlights focusing on areas including the quality of staff leadership, partnership working, safeguarding and corporate parenting.
This role is based within one of our residential children's homes in Birmingham so you must have the correct right-to-work documents to work in the UK. Sadly, we do not support those who require sponsorship.
Did you know:
Birmingham Children’s Trust won the Supportive Social Work Employer of the Year award at the Social Worker of the Year Awards in October 2025. James Thomas, our (BCT) Chief Executive, said:
“Winning two Social Worker of the Year Awards is testament to the devotion and dedication of all our staff, from those working with and directly supporting children, young people and families to those who are providing extremely valuable support services to enable practitioners to thrive.”
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will:
- Have experience of preparing and cooking meals for groups in a professional environment.
- Hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to obtain one.
- Have a good understanding of food safety legislation and kitchen hygiene requirements.
- Be able to plan nutritious and balanced menus for children and young people.
- Have experience of managing food stock, ordering supplies, and working within a budget.
- Be able to cater for special dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural or religious needs.
- Demonstrate excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Be able to work independently and use your initiative.
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be reliable, flexible, and committed to maintaining high standards.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Catering, Hospitality, or Professional Cookery.
- Previous experience working in a residential children's home, school, care setting, or similar environment.
- Knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition for children and young people.
- Experience of working within a regulated care environment.
Onboarding Process
Please note as part of our onboarding process, the successful candidate will be required undergo a series of background checks with Experian including Experian DBS, Experian Right to Work, and Digital ID verification. These are essential pre-employment requirements.
Our Benefits
- Free on-site parking at our offices on One Avenue Road (Aston) and Lifford House (Stirchley). We also provide onsite electric car charging ports which are free to use!
- Full access to our amazing internal employee benefits scheme including, Occupational Health services, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), Health & Fitness and Personal Wellbeing support and much more!
- Pension Scheme - You will receive a generous local government career average pension scheme in line with the local government pension scheme.
Don't miss out! We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we have received the required number of applications. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application and supporting statement at the earliest opportunity.
If you’re a passionate, experienced childcare professional ready to help shape young lives while driving high standards of care, we’d love to hear from you!