At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students while maintaining high hygiene standards.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Leverhulme Memorial School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work during term time only.
- Other info: Opportunity to meet the team in person during interviews.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Must have a Food Hygiene Qualification and experience in large-scale catering.
The predicted salary is between 13995 - 14531 € per year.
20 hours per week, term time, permanent post
£13,995 - £14,531 per annum, inclusive of £1,364 Distant Islands Allowance per annum
Duties will include:
- Preparing, cooking, garnishing and servicing of all food to meet the standard specification
- Keeping to budget and menu plans according to instructions and maintaining all written records
- Maintaining a high standard of personal and kitchen hygiene
- Assisting in washing up and kitchen/dining room cleaning when necessary
You must have knowledge of current food safety legislation and the importance of food hygiene. Good communication skills are required to deal with staff, pupils, suppliers and other personnel.
It is essential you have practical experience in a large-scale catering environment, producing 50+ meals daily. Good written/numeracy skills are required to complete relevant documentation and returns.
It is essential you hold a current Food Hygiene Qualification and a relevant qualification in cooking – SCQF Level 5 Qualification in Professional Cookery.
This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as a legal requirement of a regulated role with Children.
Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.
It is vital you read the attached job description and person specification. In your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Closing Date: Monday 18 May 2026
School cook (term time only) employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Leverhulme Memorial School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. As a school cook, you will enjoy a term-time only schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, while also benefiting from opportunities for professional development and training in a nurturing environment. With a focus on high standards of food safety and hygiene, you will be part of a dedicated team that values communication and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to contribute your culinary skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School cook (term time only)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Leverhulme Memorial School. Understanding their ethos and what they stand for will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be preparing meals for over 50 people, it’s crucial to demonstrate your culinary expertise. Consider doing a mock cooking session where you can showcase your ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of hygiene and presentation.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills! You’ll need to interact with staff, pupils, and suppliers, so practice how you’d handle different scenarios. Being able to communicate effectively will not only help you in the interview but also in your day-to-day role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows that you’re proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace School cook (term time only)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When you’re detailing your experience, focus on what’s most relevant to the role. If you’ve worked in a large-scale catering environment before, let us know! Share specific examples of how you’ve prepared and served meals, and any budget management you’ve done.
Show Off Your Food Hygiene Knowledge:Since food safety is super important, make sure to mention your current Food Hygiene Qualification. We want to see that you’re up-to-date with food safety legislation and understand the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s easy to navigate, and you’ll find all the info you need to submit your application. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food safety legislation and hygiene practices. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards in the kitchen, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Show Off Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully managed large-scale catering. Highlight specific instances where you produced 50+ meals daily and how you kept to budget and menu plans.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are key! Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to interact with staff, pupils, and suppliers. Practice explaining your cooking processes and how you handle feedback.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to think on your feet. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to solve problems in the kitchen or adapt recipes based on available ingredients.
