Assistant Cook

The Basildon Upper Academy; Wallsend; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Basildon Upper Academy in Wallsend is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our Catering Department. You will work with the Cook, assist in preparing and cooking menu dishes, and help maintain high standards of hygiene in a busy school kitchen.

This role is banded as Band 2 FTE, with 40 weeks of work (term time plus one week) and 37 hours per week. Actual starting salary is £21,510, with performance-based increments.

Qualifications

• Assists Cook with food preparation and cooking.
• Maintains high hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Works with the Cook on menu planning and promotions in line with Hygiene Regulations.

Responsibilities

• 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 kitchen activities.
• Ensure knowledge of daily menu portions and pricing.

Skills

Food hygiene

Menu planning

Food preparation

Budget awareness

Team work

Job description

We are currently looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Assistant Cook to 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 1 week)
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

Closing Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026
Position Available: Immediately

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.