At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and manage kitchen operations in schools.
- Company: Join a leading hospitality recruitment agency with a focus on education and healthcare.
- Benefits: Earn from £16 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and weekends off.
- Other info: Potential for permanent roles and opportunities for overtime.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals for students while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: DBS certificate required, plus 6 months of chef experience and food safety certification.
The predicted salary is between 33280 - 41600 £ per year.
Location: Reading
Pay Rate: From £16 per hour (dependent on experience and client requirements)
Job Type: Flexible / Temporary (with potential for permanent opportunities)
About the Role
Berkeley Scott, one of the UK’s leading hospitality recruitment agencies, is currently recruiting an experienced and passionate School Chef to support a variety of clients within the Education and Healthcare sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for chefs seeking weekday work, work life balance, and the potential to secure long term or permanent placements in school kitchens.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing and cooking nutritious, balanced meals for students and staff
- Planning menus in line with school guidelines and dietary requirements
- Ensuring high standards of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen cleanliness
- Managing stock, ordering supplies, and minimising waste
- Supervising and supporting kitchen assistants during service
- Adhering to all food safety and health & safety regulations
What We’re Looking For
- Enhanced DBS Certificate (Child Workforce) – essential
- Right to work in the UK
- Minimum 6 months’ experience as a Chef (preferably in schools or similar environments)
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (or equivalent)
- Two employment references
- Strong reliability, organisation, and excellent timekeeping
- A passion for providing healthy meals for children and young people
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay from £16.00
- Flexible working to fit your availability
- Weekends off – ideal for work life balance
- Opportunities for overtime if desired
- The chance to work with a respected, nationwide agency
- Potential for permanent school chef placements
- Refer a friend scheme: Earn a £50 Amazon voucher after 10 shifts
Kellan Group (including all of our brands, Berkeley Scott, RK and Quantica) are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability. We operate as an employment agency and employment business.
School Chef - Flexible Hours, Potential Permanent Role in Reading employer: Berkeley Scott
Berkeley Scott is an exceptional employer for those seeking a fulfilling role as a School Chef in Reading, offering flexible hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. With competitive pay starting from £16 per hour and opportunities for permanent placements, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values their contributions and encourages professional growth. Join a respected agency that prioritises equal opportunities and provides a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students through nutritious meal preparation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef - Flexible Hours, Potential Permanent Role in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, school staff, or even parents at local events. You never know who might have a lead on a school chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish and share it on social media or during an informal meet-up. It’s a great way to showcase your passion for cooking healthy meals for kids.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible! Since the role offers flexible hours, let potential employers know your availability. This can make you a more attractive candidate, especially for temporary roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of landing that perfect school chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef - Flexible Hours, Potential Permanent Role in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create nutritious meals for students. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the food they serve.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in schools or similar environments, and mention any specific skills that align with the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Highlight Your Food Safety Knowledge:Since food safety is crucial in this role, don’t forget to mention your Level 2 Food Safety Certificate or any equivalent qualifications. We want to know that you understand the importance of hygiene and safety in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkeley Scott
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research common dietary requirements in schools and be ready to discuss how you can cater to them. This shows your passion for providing healthy meals and your understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Hygiene Standards
Be prepared to talk about food safety and hygiene practices. Bring up your Level 2 Food Safety Certificate and any relevant experiences where you maintained high standards in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and cleanliness.
✨Menu Planning Skills
Think about how you would plan a menu that meets school guidelines. Have a few ideas ready to share during the interview, showcasing your creativity and ability to balance nutrition with taste. This will highlight your proactive approach to the role.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your experience in supervising kitchen assistants and working as part of a team. Share examples of how you’ve supported others in a busy kitchen environment. This will show that you’re not just a great chef, but also a reliable team member.
