Assistant Cook - Bincombe Valley Primary School

Dorset Council UK; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Bincombe Valley Primary School is seeking an Assistant Cook to support the delivery of school lunches in a nurturing environment. The role involves managing kitchen activities, cooking meals, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have relevant catering experience, preferably NVQ Level 2 training, and a commitment to safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Preferably trained to NVQ Level 2 in catering.
• Experience in kitchen or catering settings important.
• Willingness to complete Level 2 Food Hygiene training.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the kitchen and cooking meals.
• Oversee tasks assigned to Kitchen Assistant(s).
• Comply with food handling and safety regulations.

Skills

Catering experience

Knowledge of Health and Safety

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Assistant Cook

Bincombe Valley Primary School

Dorset Grade 3 XS2.5 - Pay award pending

25 hours per week, starting 3rd September 2025

Term time only - 38 working weeks

Permanent

Bincombe Valley Primary School is an inclusive school offering high quality provision in a warm and friendly environment. We have high expectations of our children, who are keen to learn and high expectations of our staff, who are a talented, committed and supportive team.

We are looking to appoint an Assistant Cook who will be instrumental in delivering our school lunches (currently provided through WeyCo Services).

Main purpose of role: To assist in the management of the kitchen, to prepare and cook meals, and to oversee the tasks undertaken by the Kitchen Assistant(s). This will be conducted in accordance with food handling and preparation regulations, ensuring safe and proper use of the kitchen/catering equipment and materials provided.

Knowledge & skills: Candidates would preferably have formal training to NVQ Level 2, or equivalent, and relevant experience in catering. A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate would be desirable or a willingness to be able to undertake the training for this. Knowledge of Health and Safety in the workplace would be useful, however, training for this will also be provided.

Bincombe Valley Primary School values the diversity of the workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines. All appointments are made subject to suitable references.

The school will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. All aspects of social media and internet searches will be conducted. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Information about our school is available on the school website at www.bincombe.dorset.sch.uk and application forms can be requested from the school office.

For any further information, to arrange a visit or to discuss the post, please contact the Headteacher, Mr. L. Pallister or the school office.

The Closing date for applications is 29th June 2025, with interviews in the week beginning the week beginning 7th July 2025.