Temporary School Cook

Teaching Vacancies; Newark and Sherwood; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

Barnby Road Primary Academy is seeking a Temporary School Cook to join our busy school kitchen for a fixed six-month period. The role is 22.5 hours per week, with an actual salary of £13,547 for this part-time tenure.

The successful candidate will contribute to preparing meals for over 300 pupils daily in a welcoming, safe dining environment. Experience in catering and a good understanding of food hygiene are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safe handling practices.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook healthy, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Ensure all food is prepared and served to a high standard.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, health and safety.
• Cater for children with special dietary requirements and allergies.
• Assist with stock control, ordering supplies and minimising waste.
• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and organised.
• Work as part of a team to ensure smooth kitchen operation.

Skills

Catering experience

Food hygiene

Teamwork

Organised

Flexible

Education

Food hygiene qualification (desirable)

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Position: Temporary School Cook Contract: Fixed-term, 6 months Hours: 22.5 hours per week Actual Salary: £13547 (£26016 Full time) Start Date: As soon as possible

Are you passionate about cooking and making a difference to children’s lives?

Barnby Road Primary Academy is looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and reliable Temporary School Cook to join our team for a six-month period.

Our school kitchen currently prepares and serves over 300 meals per day, providing nutritious and delicious food for our pupils. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their cooking, thrives in a busy kitchen environment and understands the importance of providing a welcoming, positive dining experience for every child.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook healthy, nutritious and well-balanced meals for pupils and staff.
• Ensure all food is prepared and served to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, health and safety.
• Cater for children with special dietary requirements and food allergies.
• Assist with stock control, ordering supplies and minimising food waste.
• Keep the kitchen and dining areas clean, safe and organised.
• Work effectively as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the school kitchen.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience in a catering or kitchen environment, ideally in a busy, high-volume setting.
• Has a passion for preparing healthy and appealing meals.
• Has good knowledge of food hygiene and safe food-handling practices.
• Can work efficiently under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Is organised, flexible, reliable and approachable.
• Enjoys working as part of a team and contributing to children's health and wellbeing.

A relevant food hygiene qualification would be desirable.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 12th November 2026

Barnby Road Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, in line with safeguarding requirements.

What the school offers its staff

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a positive difference to children's daily school experience.
• A friendly and supportive school environment.
• The chance to work within a busy school kitchen serving over 300 meals each day.
• An opportunity to use your skills and enthusiasm during this six-month temporary position.

Commitment to safeguarding

Barnby Road Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Barnby Road Academy welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation for posts within our Academy.