At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook healthy meals for pupils while leading a small team.
- Company: Thomlinson Junior School, dedicated to child welfare and quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time hours, and annual leave based on service.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a commitment to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and well-being through food.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and Allergens qualification required; kitchen experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 29540 € per year.
Closing date for applications: Friday 10 April 2026
Employer: Cumberland Council
Cook in Charge, Part Time, Permanent
OP7i/OP7ii FTE Salary: £28,598-£29,540 (pro-rata) £14.82-£15.31/hr (plus Annual Leave based on continuous years’ service)
28 hours per week, 8am-1.30pm, Monday to Friday plus 30 mins over the week to be arranged, term time only plus additional working days in school holidays.
We seek to appoint an enthusiastic school cook to prepare and cook high quality, healthy meals for our pupils, complying with School Food Standards and Health and Safety Regulations. Our current uptake of school meals is around 150 meals per day.
The appointed person is required to start on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 or as soon as possible.
The successful applicant must hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene and Allergens qualification, be willing to undertake relevant training when required and ideally have experience of working in a busy kitchen. Good organisation and communication skills are essential to work effectively and lead a small team.
Thomlinson Junior School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be appointed on completion of an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and satisfactory references.
Completed applications are to be returned to the School Business Manager, Mrs Karen Myers, email: sbm@thomlinson.cumbria.sch.uk, marked private and confidential by either email or paper copy.
Thomlinson Junior School
The Goose Market
High Street
Wigton
CA7 9PG
Cook in Charge (3930 ) employer: Cumbria
Cumberland Council offers a rewarding opportunity for a Cook in Charge at Thomlinson Junior School, where you will play a vital role in nurturing the health and wellbeing of our pupils through the preparation of high-quality meals. With a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development, you will benefit from flexible working hours during term time, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a role that not only provides job satisfaction but also fosters personal growth and a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Charge (3930 )
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Thomlinson Junior School and understand their commitment to healthy meals and safeguarding. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since the role is all about preparing high-quality meals, consider whipping up some dishes that align with school food standards. You can even bring samples to your interview to showcase your culinary flair!
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills! As a Cook in Charge, you'll need to lead a small team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or organised a team to get things done.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via StudySmarter. It’s a great way to ensure your application stands out and reaches the right people quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Charge (3930 )
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Cook in Charge. Pay attention to the qualifications and skills mentioned, as these will guide your application.
Show Off Your Experience:When detailing your experience, highlight any relevant kitchen work you've done, especially in busy environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so be specific!
Keep It Professional but Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Share your passion for cooking and working with children, but also ensure your language is clear and respectful.
Submit Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better, and you'll get all the necessary updates directly from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumbria
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the School Food Standards and Health and Safety Regulations. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in your cooking will show that you take food safety seriously and understand the importance of these standards.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous kitchen experience, especially in busy environments. Share specific examples of meals you've prepared and how you managed a team, as this will demonstrate your leadership abilities and organisational skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good communication is essential for this role, practice explaining your cooking processes and how you would lead a small team. Think about how you can convey instructions clearly and effectively, as this will be crucial in a school setting.
✨Passion for Healthy Meals
Express your enthusiasm for preparing healthy meals for children. Discuss any creative ideas you have for menus or how you can encourage kids to enjoy nutritious food. This will show that you're not just a cook, but someone who cares about the well-being of the pupils.
