School Cook

Empowering Learning; Derby; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Empowering Learning Ltd. is seeking a School Cook for term-time only roles in Derby. You will prepare and serve meals to pupils and staff, following the school menu, recipes and nutritional standards.

Role requires Level 2 Food Hygiene, allergen awareness and ability to work in a busy kitchen with tight serving times. Right to work in the UK and willingness to travel to Derby schools are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a cook or in a similar catering role, ideally in a school or care setting.
• Current Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate.
• Good working knowledge of allergens and food safety.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen and to tight serving times.
• Reliable, punctual and a good team player.
• Understanding of safeguarding in a school setting.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Able to travel to schools across Derby.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and serving breakfasts, lunches and snacks to the school menu.
• Following recipes, portion sizes and nutritional standards, including school food standards.
• Catering for special dietary requirements and allergies safely.
• Keeping accurate records, including temperature checks and food safety logs.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and serving areas.
• Cleaning kitchen equipment, surfaces and utensils after use.
• Receiving, storing and rotating deliveries and stock correctly.
• Working with kitchen colleagues and the school's catering team to ensure smooth service.
• Following the school's health and safety, COSHH and safeguarding procedures.
• Reporting any hazards, equipment faults or stock issues.

Skills

Cook/catering experience

Food safety knowledge

Allergen awareness

Punctual & team player

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

School Cook: Term Time Only, Derby

Location: Derby

Pay: £13.50 per hour

Term-time only: Yes. This role is during school term time only, with no work during school holidays.

Start date: Immediate

About the role

Empowering Learning is an education recruitment agency. We place qualified, experienced catering staff in schools across Derby and the surrounding area. We are looking for school cooks to prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals to pupils and staff.

This is a term-time only position. You will work during school terms and have school holidays off, including summer, Christmas and Easter breaks and half terms.

Key duties

• Preparing, cooking and serving breakfasts, lunches and snacks to the school menu
• Following recipes, portion sizes and nutritional standards, including school food standards
• Catering for special dietary requirements and allergies safely
• Keeping accurate records, including temperature checks and food safety logs
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and serving areas
• Cleaning kitchen equipment, surfaces and utensils after use
• Receiving, storing and rotating deliveries and stock correctly
• Working with kitchen colleagues and the school's catering team to ensure smooth service
• Following the school's health and safety, COSHH and safeguarding procedures
• Reporting any hazards, equipment faults or stock issues

Essential requirements

• Proven experience as a cook or in a similar catering role, ideally in a school, care or similar setting
• A current Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate
• Good working knowledge of allergens and food safety
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen and to tight serving times
• Reliable, punctual and a good team player
• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding in a school setting
• Right to work in the UK
• Able to travel to schools across Derby

Safer recruitment

Empowering Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants must complete our pre-employment checks, including:

• An enhanced DBS check
• Proof of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK Satisfactory references
• Any other checks required under statutory safer recruitment guidance

Why work with us?

• Term-time work with school holidays off, ideal for those with family or other commitments
• Friendly, supportive consultants
• Opportunities for regular work across a range of Derbyshire schools.

Empowering Learning is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community