At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for children, ensuring high food safety standards.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Spofforth C of E Primary school in Harrogate.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, local government pension, employee discounts, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working around school holidays.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and commitment to providing healthy meals.
- Other info: Full training provided; work term-time only with great career satisfaction.
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? We are recruiting a Cook to join our friendly team at Spofforth C of E Primary school, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. You will be providing tasty, nutritious, home‑cooked meals made from locally sourced fresh produce. NYES is a ‘fresh food’ organisation encouraging children and young people to choose nutritious meals. We are proud to offer a wide choice of healthy options to our children encouraging them to eat well and fuelling their appetite for learning.
As a Cook you will be delivering an effective catering service operating to the highest standards of food safety. Your role will require you to prepare and cook for approximately 80 children a day, serve meals to pupils and staff as well as other kitchen management duties such as supervision of staff, ordering of food, stocktaking and administration, setting out and putting away dining furniture, washing up and cleaning the kitchen and dining areas.
As a valued member of our hard‑working team, you will be reliable, dependable and committed to providing healthy wholesome dishes, working typically 27.5 hours per week over 5 days – 8.45 am start with a 14.15 pm finish. This family‑friendly role will allow you to work around school holiday commitments. Full training will be provided.
You will work term‑time weeks only however you will receive equal monthly payments throughout the year. For this you will be paid £13.47 to £14.13 per hour in addition to annual holiday and Bank Holiday entitlement.
Benefits
- A local government pension scheme with 18.1% employer contribution
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Employee discount benefits including shopping, supermarkets, gym discounts and more!
- Travel loans
- Health Assured – confidential help and support for your wellbeing
Click on our Total Rewards Brochure below to see the full range of benefits.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: 23/11/2025
- Interview Date: TBC
Key Documents
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Cook in Harrogate employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Spofforth C of E Primary School and understand their commitment to nutritious meals. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews 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 around 80 children, it’s essential to showcase your culinary abilities. Consider whipping up some healthy dishes and sharing them with friends or family to get feedback before your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff! If you can, reach out to people who have worked at the school or in similar roles. They can provide insider tips on what the team values and what it’s like to work there, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s a straightforward process, and it shows you’re keen to join our friendly team. Plus, you’ll get updates on your application status right away!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to healthy eating and how you can make a difference in our school community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous cooking or kitchen management experience you have. Whether it's working in a school, restaurant, or catering service, we want to see how your background aligns with the role of Cook at Spofforth C of E Primary School.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team. Remember, we're looking for someone reliable and dependable!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh produce and nutritious meals that Spofforth C of E Primary School values. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate local ingredients into your cooking and why they matter for children's health.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a friendly team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to support and supervise staff, as well as how you contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Safety First!
Understand the importance of food safety standards in a school setting. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure hygiene and safety in your cooking practices. This will show your commitment to delivering high-quality meals.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your cooking techniques and how you handle kitchen management tasks like stocktaking and ordering. Prepare to demonstrate your organisational skills and how you manage time effectively, especially when serving meals to around 80 children.