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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring kitchen hygiene and safety.
- Company: Join a supportive public sector team in Edinburgh, dedicated to quality food service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate with potential increases and a Monday to Friday schedule.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing nutritious meals to students in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: A formal cook's qualification or working towards one is essential; passion for cooking is a must!
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for those looking to gain experience in a busy kitchen.
Pertemps are currently recruiting for a School Cook based in Edinburgh to support a busy primary or high school kitchen.
Location: Edinburgh West
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 08.00-14.00
Rate of pay: £13.79 per hour
Duration: Temporary Ongoing (Term Time Only)
Start date: Immediate
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Cook to join a busy school catering team, helping to provide nutritious, child-friendly meals to pupils and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook a full range of school meals following set menus, recipes, and nutritional guidelines suitable for children and young people.
- Complete all food safety documentation including Cook Safe, allergen records, temperature checks, and service specifications.
- Carry out daily and weekly kitchen audits, such as cleaning schedules and compliance checks.
- Receive, check, and store food deliveries safely, ensuring stock rotation and correct labelling.
- Maintain excellent standards of hygiene, health and safety within the school kitchen, reporting any concerns to supervisors.
- Support with counter set-up, food presentation, and serving meals to pupils and staff.
- Assist with placing orders for food and non-food supplies.
- Support the preparation and delivery of school events or functions as required.
- Undertake manual handling tasks including lifting heavy pots, pans, and food containers.
- Stand for prolonged periods and work efficiently to ensure meals are served on time within tight schedules.
The Successful Candidate Should:
- Hold or be working towards a recognised cookery qualification (e.g. City & Guilds, SVQ) or have relevant experience in a school or similar environment.
- Have knowledge of safe use of catering equipment, food preparation techniques, and kitchen safety practices.
- Communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues, and school staff.
- Understand key areas of Health & Safety, allergen awareness, and school catering standards.
- Demonstrate a passion for delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for children.
- Be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and support the team, including deputising in the absence of a supervisor.
If you are interested in this role and have the relevant abilities, please respond directly to this advert.
School Cook employer: Pertemps Scotland
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety regulations relevant to schools. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and nutritious meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former school cooks to gain insights into the role and the working environment. They can provide valuable tips on what the hiring managers are looking for and how to stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and food preparation during the interview. Highlight any specific dishes or cuisines you excel in, as this can showcase your culinary skills and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively. Consider sharing examples from previous roles where you successfully met tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of food quality.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant cooking experience and qualifications, such as any formal cook's qualifications you hold or are working towards. Emphasise your knowledge of health and safety practices in the kitchen.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your ability to deliver high-quality meals. Mention specific skills related to the job description, like your experience with food safety paperwork and stock management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your culinary skills and any experience with dangerous catering equipment. This will demonstrate your understanding of safe working practices and your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Scotland
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight any specific dishes or techniques you excel at, and be ready to explain how you ensure high-quality meals are consistently delivered.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food safety practices, including Cook Safe and allergen paperwork. Be ready to discuss how you maintain hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Time Management Skills
Since the role involves working to tight timescales, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed your time in previous roles. Discuss any strategies you use to prioritise tasks effectively.
✨Express Your Passion for Cooking
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Share stories about why you love preparing meals and how you strive to improve your culinary skills.
