Hiring: Head of Kitchen

Dodworth St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy is looking for a skilled, organised and approachable Head of Kitchen to lead the catering provision. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing high-quality food, leading a small team and creating a positive experience for children.

You will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of our school kitchen, ensuring that pupils receive nutritious, well-prepared meals in a safe and welcoming environment.

About the role

• Lead and coordinate the daily operation of the school kitchen.
• Plan, prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Manage food preparation, cooking, portion control and presentation.
• Cater safely and confidently for pupils with allergies, medical diets and other dietary requirements.
• Lead, support and develop the catering team.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and health and safety.
• Complete all required environmental health, temperature-monitoring and kitchen records.
• Manage food orders, deliveries, stock rotation, waste and kitchen supplies.
• Work within the agreed catering budget and ensure that resources are used effectively.
• Contribute to a calm, friendly and positive lunchtime experience for pupils.
• Work closely with school leaders and become a valued member of the wider school team.

About you

• Have experience of cooking for large groups or within a school, care or community setting.
• Understand food hygiene, health and safety and environmental health requirements.
• Have experience of preparing meals for people with allergies or special dietary requirements.
• Can organise their workload and work confidently without close supervision.
• Can lead, support and motivate other members of a catering team.
• Are reliable, flexible and able to respond calmly to the demands of a busy kitchen.
• Have a warm and approachable manner with children and adults.
• Are open to new ideas and keen to develop the school's catering offer.

Previous school catering experience would be an advantage, but we also welcome applicants with transferable experience from other catering settings.

At Dodworth St John’s, every member of staff contributes to the experience our pupils have in school. Lunchtime is an important part of the day, and we want our kitchen team to take pride in serving food that children enjoy in an environment where they feel known and valued.

We can offer:

• A permanent role with regular weekday and daytime hours.
• A supportive school team and committed governing body.
• Friendly pupils and a strong sense of community.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to physical and mental health support, including nurses, counsellors, therapists, physiotherapists and medical services.
• GP consultations for employees and members of their household, available 24 hours a day throughout the year.
• A free annual flu vaccination.
• Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders.

Dodworth St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy is part of Enhance Academy Trust, a forward-looking trust committed to supporting its schools, pupils and employees. Enhance Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The preferred candidate will be required to complete a self-disclosure form and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and other appropriate pre‑employment checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search in line with statutory safeguarding guidance.

This post is covered by the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare (Disqualification) and Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) Regulations 2018.