School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP)

Tradewind Recruitment; Clitheroe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sociable working hours

On-site parking

Professional development

Supportive school environment

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment are looking for a School Chef in Clitheroe to manage the on-site kitchen in a permanent role. You will prepare breakfasts, lunches and snacks for pupils and staff, operating Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM with sociable daytime hours.

Requirements include a professional culinary qualification or strong commercial kitchen experience, Level 2/3 Food Hygiene in Catering, school or care setting experience, knowledge of allergens and HACCP, and an Enhanced DBS.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary qualification or strong commercial kitchen experience.
• Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering.
• Experience cooking in a school, care home, contract catering, or fresh-food environment.
• Good understanding of major food allergens and safe handling.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff in line with standards.
• Manage kitchen hygiene, food safety, and temperature recording per HACCP.
• Cater for diverse dietary needs and allergens with cross-contamination controls.
• Oversee stock control, FIFO and routine supplier orders within budget.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and hygiene documentation.
• Support a calm, welcoming kitchen atmosphere in a school setting.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

NVQ/SVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery or City & Guilds equivalent

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sociable daytime hours, no evenings or weekends)

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced Chef or Cook looking for an exceptional work-life balance while making a real, daily impact on young people?

An established Alternative Provision (AP) school in Clitheroe is seeking a dedicated, compassionate School Chef to manage their on-site kitchen on a permanent basis.

In this role, you will take full ownership of preparing wholesome, home‑cooked breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for a small, supportive school community. Unlike high‑stress commercial kitchens or unsociable shift patterns, this position offers steady 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekday hours, giving you your evenings and weekends back.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced, fresh meals daily for pupils and staff in line with School Food Standards.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and temperature recording adhering strictly to HACCP guidelines.
• Cater safely for diverse dietary needs, food intolerances, and life‑threatening allergens with rigorous cross‑contamination controls.
• Oversee stock control, inventory rotation (FIFO), and placing routine supplier orders within budget.
• Foster a welcoming, calm kitchen atmosphere‑mealtimes in an AP setting play a vital therapeutic role in student regulation and routine.
• Maintain kitchen cleaning schedules, equipment checks, and hygiene compliance documentation.

Requirements & Skills

• Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering, or City & Guilds equivalent) or strong commercial kitchen experience.
• Current Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering certificate.
• Previous experience cooking in a school, care home, contract catering, or fresh‑food commercial environment.
• Solid understanding of the 14 major food allergens, special dietary requirements, and kitchen health and safety protocols.
• A calm, dependable approach and an understanding of working in a school environment supporting pupils with diverse needs.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one prior to start).

Benefits & What We Offer

• Sociable Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. No evenings, no split shifts, and no weekend work.
• Competitive Permanent Salary: Up to £28,000 per year.
• Autonomy: Freedom to design engaging, nutritious menus within school guidelines.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a dedicated multidisciplinary pastoral and educational staff team in the Ribble Valley.
• Free on‑site parking and access to ongoing professional development.