School Cook - Part Time

Veritas Education; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Term-time only schedule

8:00am - 1:30pm hours

Supportive school environment

Opportunities for training

Job summary

Veritas Education is seeking a reliable School Cook for a part-time, term-time role in Blackburn. The successful candidate will prepare and serve nutritious meals for pupils and staff, uphold high standards of hygiene and health and safety, and work as part of a friendly school team to support pupil wellbeing.

The role offers term-time hours from 8:00am to 1:30pm, with an emphasis on consistency, good use of food budgets, and compliance with school policies.

Qualifications

• Has some prior experience in kitchen, catering, or school settings.
• Holds or willing to obtain Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2).
• Knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen awareness.
• Able to prepare nutritious, appealing meals for children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Plan menus in line with guidelines and budget where appropriate.
• Cater for allergies and special dietary needs.
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety records.
• Ensure safe storage, handling and serving of meals.

Skills

Food hygiene & safety

Allergen awareness

Organisational skills

Time management

Reliability & punctuality

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2)

Job description

Job Title: School Cook - Part-Time

Location: Blackburn

Contract Type: Part-Time, Term-Time Only

Hours: 8:00am - 1:30pm

Role Overview

We are looking for a reliable, organised, and enthusiastic School Cook to join a welcoming school in Blackburn. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals for pupils and staff, while maintaining high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and health and safety.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a school environment and takes pride in providing healthy, appealing meals for children. You will work as part of a friendly school team and play an important role in supporting pupils' health and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious and balanced meals for pupils and staff
• Plan and prepare menus in line with school requirements and nutritional guidelines
• Cater for children with allergies, dietary requirements, and special dietary needs
• Prepare meals in appropriate quantities while minimising food waste
• Ensure food is stored, prepared, cooked, and served safely and hygienically
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas
• Complete relevant food safety, temperature, and cleaning records
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and kept clean and well maintained
• Manage food stock, check deliveries, and monitor stock levels
• Work within agreed budgets and ensure food is used efficiently
• Serve meals to pupils and staff in a friendly and professional manner
• Follow school policies relating to food hygiene, safeguarding, health and safety, and allergen management
• Work closely with school staff to ensure the smooth running of lunchtime catering

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a kitchen, catering environment, or school setting is desirable
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) or willingness to obtain one
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen awareness
• Ability to prepare nutritious and appealing meals for children
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently
• A friendly and approachable manner with children and school staff
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, school procedures, and dietary requirements accurately
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate, dependent on experience
• Term-time working with school holidays off
• Family-friendly working hours of 8:00am - 1:30pm
• Supportive and welcoming school environment
• Opportunity to contribute to the health and wellbeing of pupils
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Consistent weekday working hours

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'