At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and lead engaging food education activities for students.
- Company: Join a friendly village school dedicated to improving pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and potential for long-term career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on sustainability and health.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through food and education.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation; enthusiasm for working with children is key.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Grade: G
Vacancy Hours: 30 hours per week, (term‑time; flexible — hours may be reduced/extended or job‑share considered).
Contract Type: Maternity cover initially with strong scope to extend / permanent expand.
Location: Green Hammerton Church of England Primary School, York Road, Green Hammerton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8BN
School Cook, Food Educator & Support Staff — 30 hours per week (guide)
The opportunity
Join our small village school in a practical, high‑impact role preparing nutritious school meals and leading hands‑on food education.
You will be central to a federation‑wide, long‑term project to improve menus, reduce waste and make our meals the best they can be.
Training and professional development provided.
This role includes practical classroom support (TA‑style activities) to link food work with the curriculum.
- Plan, prepare and serve healthy, varied meals that meet school food standards.
- Manage stock, allergen records, temperature checks and kitchen hygiene.
- Support food‑education: cooking clubs, tasting sessions and curriculum links.
- Support classroom and small‑group learning related to food, nutrition and wider school priorities.
- Contribute to federation menu development, pupil consultation and waste‑reduction projects.
- Keep accurate records and work to health, safety and safeguarding policies.
- We’re looking for someone who
- Has experience preparing food in a busy setting; Food Hygiene qualification desirable or willingness to train (we can provide training if no previous experience or training - we are looking for an enthusiastic person).
- Is interested in working with children and supporting classroom activities.
- Is organised, reliable and keen to develop food education long term.
- Is willing to undergo enhanced DBS and safer‑recruitment checks.
What we offer
- Training, mentoring and progression as part of a long‑term federation project, and lots of enthusiasm!
- Clear potential to move from initial maternity cover into a longer‑term/expanded role.
- Flexible hours/job‑share options for the right candidate(s).
- A friendly village‑school community where your work visibly improves pupil wellbeing and learning.
- Safeguarding
Green Hammerton Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding pupils. Appointment subject to enhanced DBS, references and safer‑recruitment checks.
Green Hammerton Church of England Primary Schoolis an equal opportunities employer.
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire.
NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes.
Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.
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School Cook, Food Educator & Support Staff employer: Applefields School
Whitby School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both students and staff. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, mental health support, and continuous professional development, we empower our employees to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the heart of the Whitby community, our school embodies values of ambition, courage, character, and endeavour, ensuring that every day offers new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook, Food Educator & Support Staff
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Applefields School face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Applefields School.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Applefields School during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Applefields School. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook, Food Educator & Support Staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Applefields School immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Applefields School – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Applefields School. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Applefields School's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
