At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for over 145 pupils daily in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join the Kirklees Catering Service, dedicated to quality and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities, a supportive team, and a rewarding work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through delicious meals and positive dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and strong supervisory skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
Overview
Primary School Chef – Lowerhouses CE Primary School – 20hrs
Organisation: Kirklees
Directorate: Public Health and Corporate Resources
Service Area: Culture & Visitor Economy
Hours: 20
Location: Lowerhouses CE Primary School, Lowerhouses Ln, Huddersfield HD5 8JY
Position type: Permanent
Grade: Grade 4
Salary: £13.05 per hour
Advert Wording / About The Role: Kirklees Catering Service is looking for a passionate and experienced Primary School Cook to join our dedicated team. You’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to over 145 pupils daily, helping to create a positive dining experience in our busy school kitchens. This is a hands-on role where you’ll prepare, cook, and present meals to the highest standards, support themed events, and ensure smooth service delivery in collaboration with your team and supervisor.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve over 100+ main meals and desserts daily.
- Maintain high standards of food presentation and hygiene.
- Assist with kitchen administration and use of Cypad Kitchen Manager software.
- Supervise staff and cover for the Catering Supervisor when required.
- Ensure customer satisfaction through friendly and helpful service.
- Maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen and dining areas.
- Support themed days and promotional events.
- Wear appropriate uniform (provided) and follow all council policies.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience preparing meals for 145+ customers daily.
- Strong administration and supervisory skills.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to attain).
- Understanding of Food Safety and Allergy legislation.
- Willingness to undertake safeguarding training.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
- Enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory health check.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive and innovative team.
- Make a real difference in children’s daily lives.
- Opportunities for training and development.
- Work in a rewarding and community-focused environment.
Benefits
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community; to help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. We will ensure you are rewarded with a great range of benefits.
Additional Information
Sharon Dodson is the manager for this role. Please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information. This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level; a conviction may not exclude candidates but will be considered as part of the recruitment process. We encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. If you need any support completing an application or the job description, please contact the Recruitment Team by email or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for Recruitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date 12 October 2025, 11:55 PM
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Primary School Chef - Lowerhouses CE Primary School - 20hrs employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary School Chef - Lowerhouses CE Primary School - 20hrs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your friends, family, and even former colleagues. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Primary School Chef role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Kirklees Catering Service on social media and engage with their posts. This shows your interest and keeps you updated on any job openings or events they might be hosting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to cooking and food safety. Think about how you can showcase your experience in preparing meals for large groups and maintaining hygiene standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lowerhouses CE Primary School. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Primary School Chef - Lowerhouses CE Primary School - 20hrs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about providing nutritious meals and creating a positive dining experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous experience you have in preparing meals for large groups, especially in a school or similar environment. We love to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research nutritious meal options and think about how you can present them appealingly. This shows your passion for food and your commitment to providing quality meals for the pupils.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or led a team in a busy kitchen setting. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Brush Up on Food Safety
Make sure you understand basic food hygiene and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. If you have your Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, mention it; if not, express your willingness to obtain it.
✨Engage with the Role's Impact
Think about how your work as a chef can positively impact the children's lives. Be ready to talk about why you want to work in a school environment and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience. This will show your genuine interest in the role.