School Cook

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Derby; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

CPD training

Local Derby opportunities

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking enthusiastic School Cooks to work on a supply basis across Derby and surrounding areas during term time.

You'll provide nutritious meals, adhere to menus, accommodate allergies, and uphold high food hygiene standards.

The role offers flexible hours across mornings, lunchtimes, and full-day shifts, with supportive local consultants and opportunities to secure longer-term placements.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a cook or in a professional kitchen.
• Experience in school/nursery catering preferred.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals for pupils and staff.
• Follow school menus and dietary needs.
• Manage kitchen stock and minimise waste.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
• Serve meals in a friendly, professional manner.
• Ensure kitchen areas and equipment are cleaned and organised.

Skills

School catering experience

Food hygiene certification

Dietary requirements knowledge

Teamwork & communication

Job description

Flexible Work | Supply Opportunities | Schools Across Derby

Are you an experienced School Cook or Catering Professional looking for flexible work in schools across Derby?

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking enthusiastic, reliable, and experienced School Cooks to work on a supply basis across primary and secondary schools throughout Derby and the surrounding areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced cooks who enjoy working in school environments and are looking for flexibility around their existing commitments.

Working hours will vary depending on the school's requirements, with opportunities ranging from morning and lunchtime catering through to full-day positions.

The Role

As a Supply School Cook, you'll be responsible for helping to provide nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff while maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

• Preparing and cooking meals for pupils and staff.
• Following school menus and ensuring meals are prepared to the required standards.
• Catering for a range of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Preparing ingredients and ensuring the kitchen is fully stocked and organised.
• Working alongside other kitchen and school staff.
• Serving meals to pupils in a friendly and professional manner.
• Following food safety, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures.
• Cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment and work areas.
• Managing food stock and minimising waste where required.

We offer a range of opportunities to suit your availability, including:

• Day-to-day supply
• Short-term placements
• Longer-term assignments
• Flexible hours
• Potential permanent opportunities

Why Choose Tradewind Recruitment?

• Flexible working - choose assignments that fit around your availability.
• Competitive pay - rates dependent on experience.
• Opportunities across Derby - work in a variety of welcoming local schools.
• Free access to professional development and CPD training.
• Dedicated local consultants who will support you throughout your journey.
• Opportunities to gain experience across different school kitchens and settings.
• A chance to make a genuine difference to pupils through the food and service you provide.

We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Previous experience working as a cook or within a professional kitchen environment.
• Experience working in a school, nursery, care home, restaurant, hotel or catering environment is beneficial.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety procedures.
• An understanding of dietary requirements and food allergies.
• A positive, reliable and flexible approach to work.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• A genuine passion for preparing and serving high-quality food.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Why Supply?

Supply work is ideal if you want:

• Flexible working hours around your existing commitments.
• The opportunity to work in a variety of school environments.
• Regular access to local work opportunities.
• To build your experience within the education catering sector.
• A pathway into longer-term or permanent school catering positions.
• The freedom to choose assignments that suit your availability.

About Tradewind Recruitment

Tradewind Recruitment is one of the UK's leading education recruitment agencies, proudly partnering with schools across the country to connect talented education professionals with rewarding opportunities.

Our experienced Derby team is committed to helping you find the right role, offering expert advice, ongoing support, and access to industry-leading training to help you develop your career.