School Chef (Maternity Cover) – Nutritious Meals

Salary: £23,868.00 to £25,434 Depending on experience

Closing Date: 14/06/2026

Job Type: Fixed Term - Mat Cover - Full Time

Are you passionate about nutritious food and supporting pupils’ wellbeing? We’re looking for a caring, energetic, and committed School Chef/Cook to join our fantastic team!

Please note that this position is for maternity cover on a fixed‑term contract from September 2026 until July 2027, though an earlier start may be available for the successful candidate. The role is term time only, working Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm.

What you’ll be doing:

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals, drinks and snacks meeting pupils’ cultural and dietary needs
• Provide daily catering and support school events and special functions
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness, and health & safety standards
• Manage food ordering, stock control and work within an agreed budget
• Support pupil wellbeing, learning activities, and safeguarding policies

What we’re looking for:

• A team player who will uphold the mission, values and goals of Arc School Napton
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and dietary requirements
• Experience working in catering or a similar role (school or education setting desirable)
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage budgets and stock

Why work for us?

• Supportive and friendly school community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care.

When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
• Cycle to work scheme

Who are we?

Opened in 2008, Arc School Napton offers primary provision in a small school setting within the lovely Warwickshire countryside. Learning by stage, not age, our pupils are placed in classes that will allow them to effectively access learning which is delivered in the most appropriate way for their needs. Pupils of all primary ages are welcome and we have an area of the school set up for those pupils in the EYFS or KS1 age groups, this is staffed with adults who have extensive experience supporting pupils in the younger age ranges.

Arc School Napton is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education and care for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.