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- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for students in a busy school kitchen.
- Company: Join a friendly team at a large primary school in Hedge End.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, and leisure centre membership.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while working in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and a passion for healthy eating.
- Other info: Term time only role with great work-life balance and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 23825 - 27779 £ per year.
A great opportunity for a friendly and organised Cook / School Chef with experience preparing nutritious meals in a busy kitchen, strong hygiene awareness, food preparation skills and knowledge of healthy eating standards for children.
As the Cook / School Chef you will work under the direction of the Catering Manager. You will be preparing, cooking and serving food and drink to students and staff. In addition, the Cook / School Chef will be required to prepare and dismantle eating areas and carry out cleaning duties whilst maintaining high quality standards of health, hygiene and safety. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, has confidence managing kitchen tasks and can deliver high-quality meals at pace.
DUTIES- Food Preparation and Cooking: Preparing meals and ingredients in line with menus and dietary requirements
- Meal Production: Cooking meals to a high standard and ensuring they are ready on time
- Baking and Desserts: Producing cakes, biscuits and puddings and packaging them as required
- Food Service: Serving meals with correct utensils and maintaining good presentation
- Kitchen Equipment Care: Using, cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment safely
- Team Support: Overseeing and supporting kitchen staff during service
- Food Safety Compliance: Maintaining hygiene, safety and allergen standards at all times
- Cash Handling: Operating tills or cashless systems and preparing money for banking
- Dining Area Set-Up: Assisting with setting out tables, chairs and equipment for service
- Cleaning Duties: Completing washing up and cleaning rotas to maintain hygiene levels
- Stock Management: Storing deliveries correctly and following stock rotation guidelines
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Allergen awareness training
- Previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment
- Experience preparing large-scale, nutritious meals
- Understanding of food safety and school healthy eating standards
- Awareness of safeguarding and allergen procedures
- Ability to plan menus in line with nutritional guidelines
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good communication skills with children and staff
- Friendly, reliable and positive attitude
- Commitment to child welfare and safe practice
- Friendly and sociable colleagues
- Staff membership rates to the modern Leisure Centre
- Enrolment in one of the UK’s Largest public sector pension schemes
- A tax efficient Cycle-to-Work scheme through salary sacrifice
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school will ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service / DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Cook / School Chef in Hedge End employer: AWD online
Contact Detail:
AWD online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook / School Chef in Hedge End
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! Visit the school if you can, chat with current staff, and understand their kitchen vibe. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you have the chance, bring a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your ability to prepare nutritious meals. This is a great way to make a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss food safety and hygiene practices. Brush up on your knowledge of allergens and healthy eating standards for children, as these are crucial in a school setting. Confidence in this area can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook / School Chef in Hedge End
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience in kitchens or catering environments. We want to see how you've prepared nutritious meals and managed kitchen tasks, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Clean and Professional: Since hygiene is super important in our kitchens, ensure your application is tidy and free from errors. A clean presentation reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Cook / School Chef.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for friendly and positive people to join our team! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share why you love cooking for children and how you can contribute to our happy kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Know Your Ingredients
Brush up on your knowledge of nutritious meals and healthy eating standards for children. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your cooking, as well as any experience you have with food allergens.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to support and lead others during service.
✨Demonstrate Hygiene Awareness
Make sure you understand the importance of food safety and hygiene standards. Be ready to talk about your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and any relevant training you've completed, as well as how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen.
✨Plan Your Menu Talk
Think about how you would plan menus that align with nutritional guidelines. Be prepared to discuss your approach to menu planning and how you ensure meals are both appealing and healthy for children.
