School Kitchen Lead: Nutritious, Inclusive Menus

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The School Chef/Cook role at a brand-new specialist school opening January 2027 in Backwell, England, seeks an experienced cook to lead daily kitchen operations, develop menus, and ensure high hygiene standards while meeting diverse dietary needs.

You will work 40 hours per week during term time, 41 weeks, with permanent, full-time status, and partner with staff, students and families to deliver nutritious, home‑cooked meals that support the school's inclusive and ambitious learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and cooking meals using a wide range of fresh ingredients.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and catering legislation.
• Experience managing stock, portion control and budgeting.
• Knowledge of special diets, allergens and nutritional requirements.
• Experience supervising or supporting staff in a catering environment.
• Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Awareness of learning disabilities and/or additional needs and how these may impact catering provision.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals using fresh ingredients wherever possible.
• Plan balanced, appealing menus that meet diverse dietary, allergen and sensory requirements.
• Manage stock control, ordering, portioning and budgeting to deliver an efficient catering service.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, including rotas, training and daily guidance.
• Build positive relationships with students, encouraging healthy eating and gathering feedback.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance with catering legislation.
• Work collaboratively with students, staff and suppliers to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing and inclusive.

Skills

Food hygiene

Budget management

Menu planning

Staff supervision

Communication

Dietary awareness

Record keeping

Allergen awareness

Organisational skills

Learning disabilities awareness

Job description

The School Chef/Cook role at a brand-new specialist school opening January 2027 in Backwell, England, seeks an experienced cook to lead daily kitchen operations, develop menus, and ensure high hygiene standards while meeting diverse dietary needs.

You will work 40 hours per week during term time, 41 weeks, with permanent, full-time status, and partner with staff, students and families to deliver nutritious, home‑cooked meals that support the school's inclusive and ambitious learning environment.