At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals that brighten children's lunchtimes.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leading provider of school catering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, mental health support, and exclusive perks.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Previous cooking experience and a passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
About us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.
About the role
Love cooking and looking for a role where your food can make a real difference to children's day? We're looking for an enthusiastic School Cook to join our friendly team at a primary school on the Wirral. You'll help prepare and serve tasty, nutritious meals for pupils, making sure food is prepared and presented to a high standard while maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and allergen standards. Our internal cook profile places strong emphasis on preparing, cooking and presenting food safely and to the correct standards.
What you'll be doing:
- Preparing, cooking and presenting meals to the required standards
- Helping ensure pupils receive a great lunchtime experience
- Following food safety, health and safety and allergen procedures
- Supporting and working positively with the wider kitchen team
- Helping minimise food waste and ensuring food is stored correctly
- Assisting with food orders and deliveries
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment
Who we're looking for:
You'll have previous cooking experience, a genuine passion for food and good communication skills. Most importantly, you'll be friendly, helpful and enjoy being part of a team. An NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent and Level 2/Basic Food Hygiene qualification are desirable.
Why join us?
You'll be part of Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing catering and support services within education.
Benefits listed in the internal recruitment material include:
- Career development through the Career Pathways programme
- Career progression opportunities within Compass Group
- PerksAtWork offers
- Training and development opportunities
- Pension contribution
If you're passionate about food and would love to play a part in creating enjoyable mealtimes for primary school children, we'd love to hear from you.
What we offer
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Employee Assistance Programme - Mental health support, offering confidential advice and resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
- Perks at Work - Access to exclusive benefits and wellbeing resources
- Career training & development opportunities - Including Apprenticeships and Career Pathways
- Earn up to £500 when you refer a friend
- Comprehensive pension scheme and life assurance
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
School Cook - Wirral employer: Chartwells
Chartwells is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Kitchen Assistant at Manor Infants, you'll enjoy flexible part-time hours while being part of a dedicated team that takes pride in delivering high-quality food. With ample opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to celebrating individuality, Chartwells ensures that every employee feels valued and recognised for their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook - Wirral
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook - Wirral
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
