Assistant Cook

St Bede Academy; Low Bolton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

St Bede Academy is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our catering team. You will prepare nutritious meals for the school and on-site nursery, Baby Bede, and help create positive dining experiences for children from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

Work with the Nursery Manager to design varied menus and support planning, ensuring EYFS nutrition guidance is applied and dietary needs are accommodated. Join a supportive team delivering high-quality meals across settings.

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen, catering or food preparation environments.
• Passion for food and nutrition.
• Enjoys working with children and supporting their wellbeing.
• Pride in delivering excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organised, reliable and flexible.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and safe handling practices.
• Willing to learn and develop knowledge of school and nursery catering requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for both the school and on-site nursery.
• Work with Nursery Manager to design nutritious, varied and appealing menus.
• Support menu planning for school and nursery, introducing ideas and seasonal dishes.
• Develop understanding of EYFS nutritional guidance for youngest children.
• Support children with dietary, medical and allergen requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety.
• Help reduce food waste and promote healthy eating across the school community.
• Provide catering support at other Trust schools when required.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Nutrition passion

Catering for children

Customer service

Teamwork

Organised and reliable

Food hygiene

Willing to learn

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

School/nursery catering experience

Knowledge of School Food Standards

EYFS nutritional requirements

Menu planning experience

Job description

Do you have a passion for food and enjoy making a difference to children's lives?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and caring Assistant Cook to join our friendly catering team at St Bede Academy.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing nutritious meals, supporting healthy eating and creating positive dining experiences for children from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

Working alongside colleagues across the school and our on-site nursery, Baby Bede, you will play an important role in preparing and serving high-quality meals and ensuring children enjoy food that is both nutritious and appealing.

If you are passionate about food, enjoy working as part of a team and take pride in delivering excellent service, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for both the school and on-site nursery.
• Work with the Nursery Manager to help design and develop menus that are nutritious, varied and appealing.
• Support menu planning for both the school and nursery, helping to introduce new ideas and seasonal dishes.
• Develop an understanding of EYFS nutritional guidance to ensure our youngest children receive the best possible start.
• Support children with dietary, medical and allergen requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety.
• Help reduce food waste and promote healthy eating across the school community.
• Provide catering support at other Trust schools when required.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working in a kitchen, catering or food preparation environment.
• Has a genuine passion for food and nutrition.
• Enjoys working with children and supporting their wellbeing.
• Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Is organised, reliable and flexible.
• Has a strong understanding of food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Is willing to learn and develop their knowledge of school and nursery catering requirements.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Food Hygiene Level 2 (or equivalent).
• Experience within a school, nursery or care catering environment.
• Knowledge of School Food Standards.
• Knowledge of EYFS nutritional requirements.
• Experience contributing to menu planning and development.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A varied and rewarding role across both school and nursery settings.
• Access to Trust-wide support and professional development.

Why Join St Bede Academy?

At St Bede Academy, we believe that mealtimes are an important part of every child's day. Our catering team plays a vital role in helping children develop healthy eating habits, providing nutritious meals and creating a positive dining experience that supports learning and wellbeing.

This is more than a catering role. It's an opportunity to contribute to the health, happiness and development of our pupils while working in a supportive and rewarding school environment.