School Kitchen Assistant: Nutritious Meals for Kids

St Bede Academy; Low Bolton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

St Bede Academy is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our catering team. You will prepare nutritious meals for the school and on-site nursery, Baby Bede, and help create positive dining experiences for children from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

Work with the Nursery Manager to design varied menus and support planning, ensuring EYFS nutrition guidance is applied and dietary needs are accommodated. Join a supportive team delivering high-quality meals across settings.

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen, catering or food preparation environments.
• Passion for food and nutrition.
• Enjoys working with children and supporting their wellbeing.
• Pride in delivering excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organised, reliable and flexible.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and safe handling practices.
• Willing to learn and develop knowledge of school and nursery catering requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for both the school and on-site nursery.
• Work with Nursery Manager to design nutritious, varied and appealing menus.
• Support menu planning for school and nursery, introducing ideas and seasonal dishes.
• Develop understanding of EYFS nutritional guidance for youngest children.
• Support children with dietary, medical and allergen requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety.
• Help reduce food waste and promote healthy eating across the school community.
• Provide catering support at other Trust schools when required.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Nutrition passion

Catering for children

Customer service

Teamwork

Organised and reliable

Food hygiene

Willing to learn

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

School/nursery catering experience

Knowledge of School Food Standards

EYFS nutritional requirements

Menu planning experience

Job description

St Bede Academy is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our catering team. You will prepare nutritious meals for the school and on-site nursery, Baby Bede, and help create positive dining experiences for children from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

Work with the Nursery Manager to design varied menus and support planning, ensuring EYFS nutrition guidance is applied and dietary needs are accommodated. Join a supportive team delivering high-quality meals across settings.