School Chef | Cook - Alternative Provision (AP)

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Burnley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time hours (8:30am-2:30pm)

No evenings or weekends

Impact on pupil wellbeing

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking a qualified School Chef / Catering Cook for an Alternative Provision in the Barnoldswick/Burnley area. You will prepare nutritious meals for pupils, manage kitchen operations and uphold high food safety standards.

Hours are 8:30am–2:30pm, Monday to Friday, term-time only, with no evenings or weekends. This long-term role offers stable, daytime shifts and the chance to support vulnerable learners through balanced, wholesome menus.

Qualifications

• Catering qualifications (NVQ/City & Guilds) required or equivalent.
• Food safety qualification (Level 2 or 3) required.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain before placement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils in a safe, hygienic kitchen.
• Manage stock control, food orders, temperature logs and HACCP procedures.
• Accommodate dietary requirements and allergies; adhere to School Food Standards.
• Maintain a clean, organised, compliant kitchen environment.
• Engage positively with pupils and staff within an AP setting.

Skills

Catering leadership

Dietary accommodation

Allergen awareness

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery or City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2

Food Safety Level 2 or Level 3 in Catering

Enhanced DBS on Update Service

Job description

Job Title: School Chef / Cook - Alternative Provision (AP)Location: Barnoldswick / Burnley area (BB11 / Pendle border)Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (30 hours per week, Term Time Only)Contract Type: Long-term / Permanent opportunitySalary/Rate: £13.50 - £15.50 per hour (dependent on experience)

About the RoleWe are recruiting a qualified School Chef / Catering Cook to join the dedicated catering team within an established Alternative Provision (AP) supporting pupils across the BB11 and surrounding East Lancashire area.This role offers a rare work-life balance for culinary professionals: sociable daytime hours (8:30am to 2:30pm), no evenings, no split shifts, and no weekends, working term-time only.You will manage kitchen operations, preparing wholesome, nutritious meals from fresh ingredients for vulnerable young people, while maintaining the highest food safety and hygiene standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious morning snacks and hot lunchtime meals compliant with School Food Standards.
• Manage stock control, food ordering, temperature logging, and kitchen hygiene procedures (HACCP).
• Accommodate specialist dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment.
• Engage positively and professionally with pupils and school staff within an AP setting.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Catering Qualification: NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery, City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2, or equivalent accredited culinary qualification (essential).
• Food Safety: Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering.
• Experience: Proven track record as a Chef, Cook, or Catering Lead in education, care, contract catering, or high-volume commercial kitchens.
• Safeguarding: An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one prior to placement).
• Understanding of dietary restrictions, Natasha's Law, and allergen compliance.

What's on Offer

• Ideal Schedule: 8:30am - 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.
• Predictable Routine: Term-time hours providing school holidays off.
• Supportive Environment: Make a tangible impact on the daily well-being of young people in specialised education.
• Local Access: Convenient commuting links across the BB11, Burnley, Pendle, and Barnoldswick corridors.