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School Cook/ Chef

Unique Builders

Peterborough

On-site

GBP 20,000 - 25,000

Full time

2 days ago
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Job summary

A local educational institution in Peterborough is seeking a Cook to plan and prepare nutritious meals for primary-aged children. The role involves ensuring high standards of hygiene, managing food ordering, and promoting a positive dining experience. Ideal candidates should possess a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and have an understanding of special dietary needs. This position works primarily during school hours and is term-time only, requiring a friendly attitude and the ability to engage with children.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
  • Ability to plan and manage menus, orders, and time effectively.
  • Experience working in a school or child-focused environment (desirable).

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the daily running of the school kitchen and food preparation areas.
  • Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, ensuring portion control and nutritional balance.
  • Maintain professional relationships with food providers and delivery services.

Skills

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
Understanding of special dietary needs and allergens
Positive, friendly manner
Basic IT or admin skills

Job description

Purpose of the Job

To plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced meals that support the health, wellbeing, and learning of

primary-aged children in a safe and caring environment. The Cook will ensure high standards of hygiene,

food safety, and service; including plating presentation and contribute to creating a positive lunchtime

experience for all pupils.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the daily running of the school kitchen and food preparation areas.
  • Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and school nutritional standards.
  • Manage stock, food ordering, and budget effectively.
  • Promote a positive dining experience that encourages healthy eating habits.
  • Supervise and support kitchen staff (if applicable).
  • Be an active and cheerful presence in the school community.

Tasks And Duties

  • Plan and prepare a variety of child-friendly, healthy meals that can be adapted to meet dietary

requirements including allergies and intolerances.

  • Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, ensuring portion control and nutritional balance.
  • Keep accurate records of menus, food and equipment temperatures, stock levels, and allergen

information.

  • Clean and maintain kitchen and equipment to required standards, following daily and weekly cleaning

schedules.

  • Ensure food is served efficiently and safely, working with lunchtime staff as needed.
  • Liaise with suppliers and order food and cleaning materials within budget.
  • Assist with the development and display of menus and themed food days to promote food awareness

and enjoyment.

  • Attend relevant training courses and meetings as required by the school or local authority.

Creativity And Innovation

  • Introduce new, appealing meals and themed days to engage children and promote a love for healthy

food.

  • Find solutions to accommodate pupils' individual dietary needs in fun, inclusive ways.
  • Suggest and implement ideas to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support sustainability (e.g., using

local produce).

  • Encourage pupil involvement in food education (e.g., grow-your-own ingredients, taste testing, cooking

clubs).

Contacts And Relationships

  • Pupils: Build positive, friendly relationships with children; promote confidence and good behaviour during

lunch.

  • Staff: Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and lunchtime staff to ensure smooth operation of

lunch service.

  • Parents/Carers: Occasionally liaise with parents regarding dietary needs or food preferences.
  • Suppliers: Maintain professional relationships with food providers and delivery services.
  • Local Authority / Environmental Health: Ensure compliance with food safety standards and assist during

inspections.

Decision Making

  • Decide on appropriate meal quantities and stock levels based on pupil numbers and menus.
  • Make daily operational decisions around food preparation, presentation, and service delivery.
  • Report any equipment faults or food safety concerns to the Office Manager or Headteacher promptly.

Resources Managed

  • Kitchen equipment, food stock, cleaning products, and supplies.
  • Responsibility for adhering to the kitchen budget (with oversight from the Office Manager).
  • Management of kitchen assistant staff, supported by members of SLT.

Working Conditions

  • Work is primarily in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cleaning materials, and food

allergens.

  • Requires standing for long periods and lifting/moving equipment or supplies.
  • Role is term-time only + 2 days, with working hours typically during school mornings and early

afternoons.

General

  • Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
  • A positive, friendly manner and enjoyment of working with children
  • Ability to plan and manage menus, orders, and time effectively
  • Basic IT or admin skills for recording data (or willingness to learn)

Required Skills/experience

  • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Good understanding of special dietary needs and allergens

Desirable

  • Experience working in a school or child-focused environment

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

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