Assistant Cook

Shorefields; Basildon; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time plus 1 week

Job summary

The Basildon Academies are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Assistant Cook to join the Catering Department at the Upper Academy in Basildon. The role is 37 hours per week, 40 weeks (Term Time plus 1 week), part-time with a starting salary in band 2 FTE and a separate starting salary of £21,510 with increments.

The position involves menu planning support, food preparation, and maintaining high hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Assist Cook to plan menus, set prices and achieve and maintain budgeted food cost.
• Assist with all food preparation and cooking.
• Preparation of all light foodstuffs, snacks and beverages.
• Prepare counter to the standards required by Cook.
• Prepares dishes and participates in all other activities taking place in the kitchen.
• Ensure daily knowledge of the food to be served, together with portions and prices.
• Ensures that dishes are produced to the required standards of quality and attractiveness before serving.
• Assist with cleaning all aspects of kitchen areas and store rooms.
• Complies with Statutory and company regulations concerning the hygiene and safety of staff, food and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Cook to plan menus, set prices and manage food costs.
• Assist with all food preparation and cooking.
• Prepare light foods, snacks and beverages.
• Prepare counter to required standards.
• Prepare dishes and assist in kitchen activities.
• Know daily food portions and prices.
• Ensure dishes meet quality and presentation standards.
• Help clean kitchen areas and store rooms.
• Follow hygiene and safety regulations.

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 14/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBC

The Basildon Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to DBS and health checks.

We are currently looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Assistant Cookto join our Catering Department. This role is based at our Upper Academy.

Salary Range:Band 2 FTE £26,646 - £27,911.Actual starting salary £21,510 with performance based increments.

Working weeks:40 weeks (Term Time plus 1week)

Working Hours: 37 per week (07:00 am to 15:00pm)

Main purpose of the job:

To work with the Cook and deputise in their absence. Supporting the preparation and cooking of all menu dishes. Assist in the general cleaning of the kitchen and maintaining high standards of hygiene. Work with Cook with menu plans and promotions in accordance with Food Handling and Hygiene Regulations.

• Assists Cook to plan menus, set prices and achieve and maintain budgeted food cost
• Assist with all food preparation and cooking
• Preparation of all light foodstuffs, snacks and beverages
• Prepare counter to the standards required by Cook
• Prepares dishes and participates in all other activities taking place in the kitchen
• Ensure daily knowledge of the food to be served, together with portions and prices.
• Ensures that dishes are produced to the required standards of quality and attractiveness before serving
• Assist with cleaning all aspects of kitchen areas and store rooms.
• Complies with Statutory and company regulations concerning the hygiene and safety of staff, food and equipment
• As and when required by the Cook, carries out additional task concerned with the operation of the kitchens
• Assists in the preparation and cooking of food for special functions and 'theme days'
• To ensure that all policies and procedures are communicated to the team and adhered to including health and safety

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or are able to fill the position faster than originally anticipated.

Information about the School

The Basildon Academies is focused upon developing the whole child; our curriculum has been developed to enable our students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills so that they will become lifelong learners. This includes opportunities for linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technical, human, social, physical and artistic learning so that students make progress in a wide range of subjects.

We set high expectations of all our students and this, in turn, ensures we create a positive climate for learning in which every student can reach their full potential. Our Academy is a calm, orderly and purposeful environment where students enjoy their learning, make good progress and feel safe.

Our Sixth Form is a major part of the academy with the structure modelling itself on developing independent learning skills like those seen in universities which allows students to continue their studies in their specialist subject areas. Students are very much encouraged to become mature adults being engaged in many aspects of the life of the academy which further develops those much needed skills to go on into university or the world of work.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Assistant Cook

Bardfield Academy, Basildon Closing: 05/10/2026 Midday