At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for students and staff in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join St Paul’s Waldorf School, a values-driven community focused on holistic education.
- Benefits: Earn from £17.09 per hour with term-time hours and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive, collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing nourishing meals that help children thrive.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Food Safety qualification and experience in a busy kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 17.09 - 17.09 £ per hour.
Location: London N1 2QH
Salary: From £17.09 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9:00am - 3:00pm)
Contract: Term-time only (36.2 weeks per year: 35 weeks term time + 1.2 weeks inset days)
Start Date: September 2026
About the School
St Paul’s Waldorf School is an independent, non-selective school in Islington educating children aged 3–14 in a historic Grade II* listed building. The school follows a Steiner (Waldorf) approach, focusing on holistic education that nurtures the intellectual, creative, and practical development of each child.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced School Cook to provide a high-quality catering service that supports the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This is an excellent opportunity to join a values-led school community where nutrition, care, and quality food provision are central to school life. Occasional additional hours may be required to meet the needs of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Catering & Meal Provision
- Plan and deliver varied, nutritious menus in line with school food standards
- Prepare and serve high-quality meals for pupils and staff
- Manage suppliers and support cost-effective purchasing
- Maintain stock levels and minimise food waste
- Cater for dietary requirements and ensure allergen information is clearly communicated
- Maintain consistency and high standards in all food provision
- Communicate effectively with staff regarding menus and dietary needs
- Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and report faults promptly
- Support maintenance and repair processes with the Facilities Manager
- Record accidents and incidents as required
- Maintain Safe Food Better Business (SFBB) records and procedures
- Team & School Community
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the wider school community
- Attend meetings as required
- Contribute positively to the school’s ethos and values
- Safeguarding & Compliance
- Adhere to safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety policies
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Participate in relevant training such as First Aid and safeguarding
Person Specification
- Qualifications
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or equivalent)
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Experience
- Experience in a busy kitchen or catering environment
- Supervisory or team leadership experience
- Experience in menu planning and stock control
- Experience working in a school or with children (desirable)
- Skills & Knowledge
- Strong culinary and food production skills
- Understanding of school catering standards and legislation
- Good organisational and multitasking abilities
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Personal Qualities
- Positive, resilient, and enthusiastic approach
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
- Ability to build positive relationships in a school community
- Respect for confidentiality
- Commitment to the ethos of holistic education
Apply now to join St Paul’s Waldorf School and help provide nourishing meals that support children to thrive.
Relevant experience may include: School Cook, School Chef, Catering Manager (School), Kitchen Manager, Cook (Education Sector), Catering Supervisor.
School Cook employer: AdTalent Recruitment
St Paul’s Waldorf School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and pupils through a supportive and values-driven work culture. As a School Cook, you will enjoy a term-time only schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, while contributing to a nurturing environment that emphasises holistic education and quality nutrition. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to safeguarding, this role offers a meaningful way to make a positive impact in the lives of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at AdTalent Recruitment and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at AdTalent Recruitment that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at AdTalent Recruitment.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at AdTalent Recruitment get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at AdTalent Recruitment
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at AdTalent Recruitment and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
