Area Cook in Slough

TERM-TIME ROLE - SCHOOL HOURS - HIGHER RATE / COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY + MILEAGE

ROLES ACROSS MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, OXFORD AND NORTHAMPTON

This pivotal role requires the Area Cook to undertake all kitchen tasks as if in the role of a Head Cook, while also providing guidance and motivation to the Catering Crew. Travel is a requirement for the role as you will be based in multiple locations as the main support. Demonstrating initiative and adept multitasking to support various kitchen needs is crucial for the team's success, making strong teamwork skills essential. The position entails physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy catering equipment, potentially rearranging furniture to prepare dining areas, and handling hot containers from ovens. As a senior figure in the kitchen, the Area Cook shoulders significant responsibility. They represent Fresh Start to children and the school community, necessitating a consistently professional demeanour and exemplary conduct at all times.

Responsibilities:

• Use provided recipes to produce meals as described on the daily menus, meeting Fresh Start's standards for taste, texture, and presentation.
• Supervise the cooking and quality of food preparation and presentation by other members of the Catering Crew.
• Maintain the quality and consistency of meals, ensuring every child has equal access to meal choices and a uniform dining experience.
• Manage portion control and minimise waste where possible.
• Oversee the preparation and serving of food to children with allergies.
• Order stock in appropriate quantities and on time to meet menu specifications.
• Monitor and order cleaning product stock as necessary to maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness and direct the Catering Crew to ensure the kitchen remains clean at all times.
• Complete the SFBB diary daily updates and all opening and closing checks.
• Ensure delivery checks are completed correctly by staff receiving deliveries and verify their competency in completing these checks.
• Ensure daily record sheets and cleaning checks are completed every day.
• Participate in deep cleans when scheduled, including school inset days.
• Perform any other tasks requested to support the operational running of the kitchen.
• Be responsible for kitchen standards and liaise with external parties on EHO visits/reports.

Leadership:

• Lead the team by example, maintaining good relationships with all colleagues and resolving minor disputes.
• Train junior members of staff, ensuring the Assistant Cook can step up within a reasonable timeframe.
• Provide training and mentoring in other kitchens as necessary and appropriate.
• Ensure defects in equipment, food quality, or safety concerns are reported to the Operations Manager and resolved quickly.
• Ensure the kitchen crew complete their electronic timesheets correctly and on time.
• Liaise with the school to develop and maintain good relationships.
• Complete all necessary training, including Safeguarding, Food Safety, Fire Awareness, First Aid, COSHH Training, Allergy Awareness.
• Ensure all kitchen crew are wearing the appropriate uniform.
• Adhere to all Fresh Start policies and procedures.

Competencies:

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively within a team-based environment to ensure the kitchen's success.
• Initiative and Multi-Tasking: Demonstrate essential initiative and multi-tasking abilities, critical for the kitchen team's efficiency.
• Interpersonal Skills: Interact politely and professionally with children, colleagues, school staff, governors, parents, and any member of the Fresh Start team, always upholding the Fresh Start ethos and reputation.
• Computer Literacy: Communicate regularly with the Operations Manager, including relaying weekly memos and other important communications to the team.
• Literacy and Numeracy: Complete all paperwork competently and accurately, including necessary training.
• Personal Hygiene: Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including keeping the uniform clean, tying back long hair, wearing a bandana in the kitchen, and washing hands appropriately.
• Composure: Stay calm and focused under pressure, providing support to junior staff.
• Legal Compliance: Adhere to all applicable legislation and report any suspected violations immediately.
• Confidentiality and Respect: Maintain the confidentiality of information acquired at work and avoid speaking about employees, the company, or the school.
• Criminal Records Disclosure: Required to work in a school environment.

Requirements:

• Background Check: A thorough background check, including a criminal records disclosure (such as a DBS check).
• Relevant Training: Training will be provided and essential prior to starting - e.g. Food Safety, Safeguarding, Prevent and others.
• Previous Experience: Experience working in a similar role, preferably within a school or educational setting.
• References: Professional references from previous employers, particularly those in similar roles or educational environments.
• Health and Safety Training: Completion of health and safety training courses, including First Aid and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) if relevant.
• Travel: Must have a full, clean driving license and own vehicle.