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- Tasks: Plan and prepare nutritious meals for primary-aged children in a safe environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on promoting health and wellbeing in schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive work culture, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of creating positive lunchtime experiences while nurturing young minds.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications required; just a passion for cooking and working with kids.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop culinary skills and engage with the community.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ 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.
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School Cook/ Chef 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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the nutritional guidelines for children. Understanding these will not only help you in meal planning but also show your commitment to providing healthy options, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain experience in a school or similar environment if possible. Volunteering or working part-time in a school kitchen can give you valuable insights into the specific needs and preferences of primary-aged children.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity in meal presentation. Since plating is mentioned in the job description, think about how you can make meals visually appealing to children, as this can enhance their lunchtime experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. Being able to discuss specific protocols and your experience with maintaining high standards will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook/ Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the School Cook/Chef position. Highlight any relevant experience you have in cooking for children or managing kitchen operations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in preparing nutritious meals, maintaining hygiene standards, and working in a school or similar environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to promoting healthy eating habits. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Peterborough
✨Show Your Passion for Nutrition
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking nutritious meals for children. Share any relevant experiences or training that highlight your commitment to healthy eating and how it impacts children's wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss food safety practices and hygiene standards. Highlight any certifications you have, and be ready to explain how you ensure a safe cooking environment, especially when working with young children.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working in a school environment, emphasise your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past to create a positive dining experience.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about meal planning and preparation. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced menus and cater to dietary restrictions, showcasing your creativity and adaptability in the kitchen.
