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- Tasks: Cook delicious meals for schools and care homes, ensuring everyone gets nutritious food.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to providing quality meals in Staffordshire.
- Benefits: Earn £17-£20 per hour, enjoy weekly pay, and flexible shifts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, especially with dietary needs, and an Enhanced DBS.
- Other info: Work in diverse environments with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Staffordshire (Staffordshire Stoke on Trent, Congleton, Leek, Kidsgrove, Tunstall, Nantwich, Crewe, Stoke on Trent, Buxton & surrounding areas).
Contract type: Temporary; some contracts may lead to permanent after a successful period.
Hourly rate/Salary: £17p/h to £20p/h; weekly pay.
We are currently looking to recruit several Enhanced DBS Cooks and chefs of all levels to support schools & nurseries from January 2026 and beyond, as well as to support our care homes and retirement villages within the North Staffordshire area. You will be working for several contract catering environments based in the following areas: Staffordshire; Congleton; Leek; Kidsgrove; Tunstall; Nantwich; Crewe; Stoke on Trent; Buxton & surrounding areas.
To work in this environment you must have an enhanced DBS covering adult and child, dated within the last 12 months or on the update service. If you don’t have this, we can process one for you at a cost.
Environment & Responsibilities
You will be providing hot, delicious, and nutritious food to vulnerable adults and children. Your role is important in ensuring every person has a hot meal for the day, wherever you work. The main environments are schools and care homes within contract catering, and you will be required to cook specific items (e.g., textured meals for all residents and children) working from the IDDSI framework. You may also be involved in some serving and may meet patients and children.
The working hours vary. Our school and nursery clients typically operate Monday to Friday around 7/8am–2/3pm. Care homes require Monday to Friday work but also weekend coverage as they are open 7 days a week; hours range from 7am–6pm.
Type of Enhanced DBS chefs & cooks we are looking for:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Second in command cooks & chefs
- Catering Managers
- Chef Manager
Type of Employment & Benefits
Why Apply?
- Great pay rates
- Weekly pay
- Your very own Blue Arrow app to accept shifts on the go and manage availability
- PAYE – holiday accrual; Blue Arrow processes your national insurance and ensures you are paid every Friday
- Dedicated consultant
- Great work life balance
- You choose the hours to work with flexible shifts
- Chance to gain more hours around current jobs and commitments
- Mixtures of shifts
- Different working environments — every day is different
The Commute: As we cover a large number of locations across Staffordshire, your commute will vary. If you have a car and are flexible with locations, great. If you’re limited to public transport, we’ll only send you to places with public transport links and provide you with all information needed to get there.
Requirements & Skills
- Extraordinary attention to detail
- Knowledge of stock management and ordering position dependent
- Enjoy working with different people
- Ability to work within various environments
- Experience cooking and producing texture dietary meals using the IDDSI framework
- Available to cover ad hoc last-minute sickness requests (including same day)
- Ability to manage small teams
- Ability to work under pressure and with a variety of teams
- Flexible and able to manage own diary
- Qualified within professional cookery to City & Guilds 706/1, 706/2 or equivalent
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate within the last 3 years and up-to-date allergens certificates
- At least 2 years’ background working as a chef
- Experience working within schools and care homes as a chef or cook
- Senior Chef De Partie level or above
- Own chef whites and knives
- In-date Enhanced DBS dated within the last 12 months (ideally on the update service); we can arrange one at a cost if needed, which may benefit you with more work
If this role matches what you’re looking for, please click Apply today and a dedicated chef consultant will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
School & Care home chefs - Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Blue Arrow
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School & Care home chefs - Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Get your Enhanced DBS sorted ASAP! If you don’t have one, we can help you process it. Having this ready will make you stand out and show you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Flexibility is key! Be open to different locations and shifts. The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you'll have to land that perfect chef gig with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with textured meals and working in schools or care homes. It’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and connect with a dedicated consultant who can help you find the right fit in Staffordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace School & Care home chefs - Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary skills and experience. We want to see how you've cooked in schools or care homes before, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the job description. Mention your knowledge of the IDDSI framework and any relevant qualifications you have. This shows us you’re serious about the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read. Use bullet points if needed to make your experience pop!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the IDDSI framework and dietary requirements for schools and care homes. Be ready to discuss how you can create nutritious meals that cater to various needs, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed kitchen operations or worked under pressure. Highlight any experience you have in cooking for vulnerable adults and children, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to cover shifts at short notice. Employers value candidates who can adapt to changing schedules, especially in a dynamic environment like schools and care homes.
✨Dress the Part
Make sure to wear your chef whites and bring your own knives to the interview. This not only shows professionalism but also indicates that you're ready to step into the role immediately if selected.
