At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for students and staff in a school setting.
- Company: Berry Recruitment, dedicated to fair and inclusive hiring.
- Benefits: Earn £16.89 per hour, paid weekly, with Monday to Friday hours.
- Other info: Enjoy no evening or weekend shifts and support from a recruitment consultant.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Cook, with knowledge of food hygiene and dietary needs.
The predicted salary is between 16.89 - 16.89 £ per hour.
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
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
- Preparing, cooking and serving fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
- Following planned menus and catering for dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances.
- Ensuring food hygiene, health and safety standards are maintained at all times.
- Monitoring food temperatures and completing relevant kitchen records.
- Managing portion control and minimising food waste.
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
- Supporting with stock rotation, deliveries and food storage.
- Working efficiently to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a school or similar catering environment.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and food safety procedures.
- Knowledge of allergens and special dietary requirements.
- Ability to work independently and manage a busy kitchen.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- A reliable, flexible and professional approach.
- An Enhanced DBS certificate is required, ideally registered with the Update Service.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay of £16.89.
- Weekly pay.
- Monday to Friday working hours.
- No evening or weekend shifts.
- Support from a dedicated recruitment consultant.
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.
School Chef Darlington in Durham employer: Berry Recruitment
Berry Recruitment offers a supportive and inclusive work environment for Warehouse Operatives, where teamwork and communication are highly valued. Located just outside Fakenham, employees benefit from a stable Monday to Friday schedule with opportunities for permanent roles and career growth. The company prioritises fair recruitment practices, ensuring that all team members are respected and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef Darlington in Durham
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef Darlington in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berry Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Berry Recruitment. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
