School Cook - Part Time

Veritas Education Recruitment; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time hours

School environment

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

Veritas Education seeks a reliable School Cook for a part-time, term-time role in Blackburn. You will prepare and serve healthy meals for pupils and staff, ensuring high food hygiene and safety standards. The role involves menu planning, allergen management, and keeping accurate records.

Ideal applicants have kitchen or school catering experience, a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, and the ability to follow school procedures within budget. Term-time only, 8:00am–1:30pm shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen, catering environment, or school setting is desirable.
• Food hygiene and health & safety knowledge are essential.
• Ability to follow menus and dietary requirements accurately.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines.
• Cater for allergies and special dietary needs.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and cleaning records.
• Manage stock, deliveries, and keep within budget.
• Serve meals in a friendly, professional manner.

Skills

Time management

Organised

Reliable

Friendly with children

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2)

Willingness to obtain DBS

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'