At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and cooking healthy meals for children in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Arboretum Primary School, part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive community, professional development, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Fixed-term role covering maternity leave, with 25 hours per week during term time.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's eating habits while working in a modern kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school kitchen or commercial catering and a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 14551 - 14551 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
We are looking for an Assistant Cook to work alongside our Catering Manager and her team in our busy school kitchen, to cover a maternity leave for up to 1 year. The successful candidate will have experience of working in a school kitchen or similar commercial catering operation, and have a passion for cooking and inspiring children to eat. You will use your skills to prepare and cook meals from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring a consistently high quality of service to our children and staff. This is an opportunity to work as part of our friendly and enthusiastic team in a modern professional kitchen, encouraging our children to eat a variety of appealing and healthy meals.
In return we can offer you:
- A friendly, welcoming and supportive community who are immensely proud of their school.
- A commitment to continued professional development.
- A friendly working environment which supports and enhances our vision and ethos.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
About the school: Arboretum Primary School is a proud member of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) and enjoys a positive relationship with a team of professionals providing effective support in school improvement and operations. Arboretum is a happy place to be. Our school is full of laughter, care and love; where each child is respected as the unique individual that they are. At Arboretum we underpin all of our work with the school’s values of ‘Ready, Respectful and Safe’. We are a large 625 place primary (which includes 32 children in our 2 year old unit and 60 in our 3 year old nursery), with a rich, ethnic mix of delightful and well-behaved children. We have a modern school that sits in large attractive grounds. We pride ourselves on our caring ethos and the value we place in our dedicated and friendly staff teams. We are a popular school, and have a waiting list for most year groups.
DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, completion of a probationary period, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected as defined by the act. Please note that all candidates must have a right to work in the UK in order to be able to work at our Trust. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for international job applicants.
The closing date for this vacancy is 9:00am Monday 6th July 2026. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Interview dates: Tuesday 14th July 2026.
Assistant Cook employer: Derby City Council
Arboretum Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly community where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a commitment to high-quality service and a focus on inspiring children through healthy meals, employees enjoy a modern working environment and the benefits of the Local Government Pension Scheme, alongside opportunities for continued professional development. Join us in a vibrant school setting that celebrates diversity and fosters a caring ethos, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
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In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Derby City Council. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
