School Chef - Darlington
Location: Darlington, County Durham
Job Type: Temporary
Start Date: Friday 13th November 2026
Contract Duration: Until mid/end of December 2026
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 7:15am - 1:15pm (30 hours per week)
Pay Rate: £16.89 per hour, paid weekly
Job Description
Berry Recruitment Darlington are currently recruiting for an experienced and reliable School Chef to work within a school in the Darlington area.
This is a temporary position starting on Friday 13th November, expected to continue until mid to late December.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff, ensuring all food is prepared safely and to a high standard.
Key Responsibilities
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Preparing, cooking and serving fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
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Following planned menus and catering for dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerance's.
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Ensuring food hygiene, health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
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Monitoring food temperatures and completing relevant kitchen records.
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Managing portion control and minimising food waste.
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Maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
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Supporting with stock rotation, deliveries and food storage.
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Working efficiently to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
Requirements
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Previous experience working as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a school or similar catering environment.
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A good understanding of food hygiene and food safety procedures.
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Knowledge of allergens and special dietary requirements.
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Ability to work independently and manage a busy kitchen.
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Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
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A reliable, flexible and professional approach.
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An Enhanced DBS certificate is required, ideally registered with the Update Service.
What We Offer
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Competitive hourly pay of £16.89.
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Weekly pay.
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Monday to Friday working hours.
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No evening or weekend shifts.
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Support from a dedicated recruitment consultant.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Chef or Cook looking for a temporary opportunity within a school environment, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Berry Recruitment Darlington for further information.
Berry Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. All applicants will be considered on the basis of their skills, experience, qualifications and ability to perform the role, and no applicant will be treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
School Chef Darlington employer: Berry Recruitment Careers
Berry Recruitment is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive work culture. With full training provided, employees have the unique opportunity to learn a skilled trade while enjoying the flexibility of a nationwide field-based role, complete with a company van and competitive salary. The emphasis on hands-on work and teamwork fosters a rewarding environment for those eager to grow in their careers.
