Assistant Cook

Assistant Cook

Full-Time 25959 - 31727 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in preparing healthy meals and maintain kitchen hygiene standards.
  • Company: Join the friendly catering team at Aqueduct Academy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, professional development, and well-being support.
  • Other info: Part-time hours with a supportive community focused on collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Passion for cooking and teamwork skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 25959 - 31727 £ per year.

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our friendly catering team at Aqueduct Academy.

The successful candidate will support the Catering Manager and team in preparing healthy, nutritious, and appetising meals for our children and staff each day.

You will help ensure that all meals are produced to a high standard, maintaining excellent levels of food hygiene and kitchen safety.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • To provide assistance with preparation, cooking and service of food to the required standard.
  • To follow menu plans agreed with the Catering Manager for lunch service on the section you are responsible for
  • To deputise for the Catering Manager as required.
  • To take responsibility for the supervision of other kitchen staff during lunch service.
  • To follow the menu and recipes agreed
  • To occasionally assist with special functions which may be outside of normal working hours.
  • To carry out cleaning duties within the kitchen and dining areas as required.
  • To follow sound hygiene practices.
  • To ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to in working practices.
  • To assist with the issue and recording of catering supplies as required.
  • To assist with the operation of control procedures as required.
  • To report immediately any accidents, fire, theft, loss, damage, or unfit food or other irregularities and take such action as may be appropriate or possible.

In return we can offer

  • A commitment to you and your professional development
  • Friendly, supportive, enthusiastic and hardworking colleagues, staff and Governors
  • A growing learning community
  • Encouragement to develop new ideas and the opportunity to make a real difference
  • This post is part time time (20 hrs) Working hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am-13.30pm

Why Work with REAch2 Academy Trust?

Join REAch2 Academy Trust, one of the UK's largest primary academy trusts, with a mission to unlock the potential of every child, regardless of their background.

  • Here’s why joining our team can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice:
  • Excellence & Development: We prioritise high standards and offer extensive professional development and career growth opportunities.
  • Supportive & Collaborative: Be part of a strong, collaborative community of over 60 schools where every voice is valued, and best practices are shared.
  • Well-being Focus: We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer robust well-being support for all staff.
  • Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives strengthen our schools.
  • Innovation & Impact: Bring creativity to the classroom and make a real difference in children’s lives.
  • Making a difference: Working with REAch2 means contributing to something bigger than yourself.

You’ll be helping to shape the lives of young learners, making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.

Join us to grow your career, collaborate with passionate educators, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Benefits

• We offer a range of benefits to support your career and well-being

  • Generous Annual Leave: healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional Development: Access diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
  • Flexible & Family-Friendly: We are committed to supporting flexible working and requests will be considered on an individual basis, including options such as part time, term-time, home working, and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
  • Well-being Support: Receive comprehensive well-being and employee assistance for you and your family.

Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!

Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Data Protection At REAch2 we recognise that those who work in an academy are in a unique position in their care of children.

The responsibility for all staff to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, as stated in Section 175 of the Education Act (2002) is one that is central to our ethos, our policies and our actions.

All children are deserving of the highest levels of care and safeguarding, regardless of their individual characteristics or circumstances, and we are committed to applying our policies to ensure effective levels of safeguarding and care are afforded to all our pupils.

We will seek to recruit the best applicant for the job based on the abilities, qualifications, experience as measured against the job description and person specification.

The recruitment and selection of staff will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children's Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity.

For more information about our safer recruitment processes, please click here for our Safer Recruitment Policy.

All information is stored securely, and any information supplied by unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed through a confidential waste system six months after the decision has been communicated, in accordance with our information and records retention policy.

The Trust ensures all applicant data is stored and processed appropriately.

For further details on how your information will be managed during the recruitment process please refer to our Privacy Notice for Job Applications.

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Assistant Cook employer: Aqueduct Primary Academy

At REAch2 Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as an Assistant Cook, you will have access to extensive training opportunities while contributing to the well-being of our students and staff. With a focus on work-life balance and a diverse community, joining us means making a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners every day.

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Contact Details:

Aqueduct Primary Academy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook

✨Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

✨Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

✨Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Aqueduct Primary Academy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to Aqueduct Primary Academy

Don't be shy about reaching out to Aqueduct Primary Academy directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook

Food Preparation
Cooking Skills
Food Hygiene
Kitchen Safety
Menu Planning
Supervision Skills
Cleaning Duties

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Aqueduct Primary Academy and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aqueduct Primary Academy

✨Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

✨Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!