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- Tasks: Plan and cook nutritious meals for primary-aged children in a fun school environment.
- Company: Join Blue Arrow, a supportive employer dedicated to creating great work opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, a friendly atmosphere, and the chance to inspire healthy eating habits.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while enjoying creativity in meal preparation.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and understanding of dietary needs required.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values inclusivity and sustainability in food education.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Job
To plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced meals that support the health, wellbeing, and learning of
primary-aged children in a safe and caring environment. The Cook will ensure high standards of hygiene,
food safety, and service; including plating presentation and contribute to creating a positive lunchtime
experience for all pupils.
Responsibilities:
* Oversee the daily running of the school kitchen and food preparation areas.
* Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and school nutritional standards.
* Manage stock, food ordering, and budget effectively.
* Promote a positive dining experience that encourages healthy eating habits.
* Supervise and support kitchen staff (if applicable).
* Be an active and cheerful presence in the school community.
Tasks and Duties:
* Plan and prepare a variety of child-friendly, healthy meals that can be adapted to meet dietary
requirements including allergies and intolerances.
* Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, ensuring portion control and nutritional balance.
* Keep accurate records of menus, food and equipment temperatures, stock levels, and allergen
information.
* Clean and maintain kitchen and equipment to required standards, following daily and weekly cleaning
schedules.
* Ensure food is served efficiently and safely, working with lunchtime staff as needed.
* Liaise with suppliers and order food and cleaning materials within budget.
* Assist with the development and display of menus and themed food days to promote food awareness
and enjoyment.
* Attend relevant training courses and meetings as required by the school or local authority.
Creativity and Innovation:
* Introduce new, appealing meals and themed days to engage children and promote a love for healthy
food.
* Find solutions to accommodate pupils\’ individual dietary needs in fun, inclusive ways.
* Suggest and implement ideas to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support sustainability (e.g., using
local produce).
* Encourage pupil involvement in food education (e.g., grow-your-own ingredients, taste testing, cooking
clubs).
Contacts and Relationships:
* Pupils: Build positive, friendly relationships with children; promote confidence and good behaviour during
lunch.
* Staff: Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and lunchtime staff to ensure smooth operation of
lunch service.
* Parents/Carers: Occasionally liaise with parents regarding dietary needs or food preferences.
* Suppliers: Maintain professional relationships with food providers and delivery services.
* Local Authority / Environmental Health: Ensure compliance with food safety standards and assist during
inspections.
Decision Making:
* Decide on appropriate meal quantities and stock levels based on pupil numbers and menus.
* Make daily operational decisions around food preparation, presentation, and service delivery.
* Report any equipment faults or food safety concerns to the Office Manager or Headteacher promptly.
Resources Managed:
* Kitchen equipment, food stock, cleaning products, and supplies.
* Responsibility for adhering to the kitchen budget (with oversight from the Office Manager).
* Management of kitchen assistant staff, supported by members of SLT.
Working Conditions:
* Work is primarily in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cleaning materials, and food
allergens.
* Requires standing for long periods and lifting/moving equipment or supplies.
* Role is term-time only + 2 days, with working hours typically during school mornings and early
afternoons.
General:
* Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
* A positive, friendly manner and enjoyment of working with children
* Ability to plan and manage menus, orders, and time effectively
* Basic IT or admin skills for recording data (or willingness to learn)
Required skills/experience:
* Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
* Good understanding of special dietary needs and allergens
Desirable:
* Experience working in a school or child-focused environment
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
School Cook/ Chef in Peterborough employer: Blue Arrow - Peterborough
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Peterborough Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook/ Chef in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and allergies that children may have. Understanding these requirements will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to creating a safe dining experience for the pupils.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the school community by attending events or volunteering in related activities. This will help you build relationships with staff and parents, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role and your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current food trends and child-friendly meal ideas. Being able to suggest innovative meals or themed days can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any previous experience working with children or in a school environment during your interactions. Sharing specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's eating habits can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook/ Chef in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cooking, especially in a school or child-focused environment. Emphasise any qualifications like the Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and your understanding of dietary needs.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your commitment to providing nutritious meals. Mention specific examples of how you've promoted healthy eating habits in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to food safety, menu planning, and kitchen management. Include any experience you have with stock management and budgeting, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Creativity: Demonstrate your creativity in meal planning by including ideas for child-friendly meals or themed food days. This will show your potential employer that you can engage children and promote a love for healthy food.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Peterborough
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals for children. Share any personal experiences or creative ideas you have for engaging kids with healthy eating, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Food Hygiene Knowledge
Since a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate is required, be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety standards. Mention specific practices you follow to ensure hygiene in the kitchen and how you keep up with regulations.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
The role involves working closely with other staff members, so be ready to talk about your experience in a team environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to create a positive dining experience or overcome challenges.
✨Prepare for Dietary Needs Questions
Given the importance of accommodating special dietary needs, think about how you would handle various situations. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing allergies and intolerances, and any creative solutions you've implemented in the past.
