At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for our amazing pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Join the caring team at Evergreen Primary School in Newton Aycliffe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional growth, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values kindness and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy school meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 25185 £ per year.
Permanent, part time required from 1 September 2026, 32.5 hrs per week. The Governors of Evergreen Primary School are delighted to invite applications for a passionate, creative and dedicated Cook to join our exceptional team in our Newton Aycliffe site. Evergreen is a thriving, nurturing specialist setting with 212 wonderful pupils with a range of Complex Needs, including SLD, ASC and PMLD. Many of our pupils have additional co‑occurring needs such as ADHD across our two sites. Our curriculum is highly personalised and adapted. It is designed to meet each child’s unique learning profile and help them achieve meaningful progress.
Why Join Evergreen? At Evergreen, you will be part of a supportive, collaborative and caring school community. Staff wellbeing and professional growth matter to us. You will benefit from:
- Strong, experienced leadership that values and listens to its staff
- A friendly, skilled and enthusiastic team of teachers, support staff and therapists
- A school culture built on kindness, respect, creativity and resilience
- Relevant training
The successful candidate will be assigned to work in our Newton Aycliffe site under the supervision of Evergreen’s Catering Manager who will be based at Bishop Auckland site. This position is paid whole time with retainer adjustments applied to periods of school closure. You will not be required to work during the school closure periods; however, your salary in these periods will be adjusted accordingly in line with the retainer regulations as specified in the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreement.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Meal planning and provision
- Provide high‑quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards
- Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance
- Negotiate best‑value contracts with authorized suppliers to ensure the cost effectiveness of the catering service
- Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess supply and adhere to the catering budget
- Cater to special dietary requirements and ensure that allergy information is effectively communicated and labelled
- Staff management
- Supervise catering staff to ensure efficiency and high‑quality food provision
- Prepare and manage the duty rota, delegate tasks appropriately to staff, and ensure the smooth running of the team
- Carry out performance management duties and make sure all staff in the team have relevant, required training
- Promote morale and wellbeing among the catering staff
- Health and safety
- Ensure compliance with school catering standards legislation and the school’s food safety policy, health and safety policy, and allergens policy
- Ensure that the kitchen and dining area are kept clean and hygienic
- Ensure that kitchen equipment is used safely and according to operating manuals
- Ensure that kitchen and catering equipment is maintained according to the maintenance schedule
- Arrange for all necessary repairs to be carried out to ensure the safe running of kitchen equipment and remove any faulty equipment pending repairs
- Where repair or replacement exceeds the agreed budget, discuss this with the school business manager
- Ensure that catering staff are adhering to proper hygiene procedures, including wearing the correct uniform
- Record all accidents and incidents
- Safeguarding
- Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies
- Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school
Recruitment and Safeguarding Checks Durham County Council is committed to safer recruitment practices. Pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed, including an enhanced DBS check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An online search of publicly available information will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online.
Application Deadline Closing date: 06/07/2026. Interview date: to be confirmed.
Contact Information Evergreen Primary School, Warwick Road, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 6LS, Scholars Path, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 7HB. Tel: 01388 459721. Email: evergreen@durhamlearning.net. Website: Evergreenprimary.co.uk.
Cook in Newton Aycliffe employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Evergreen Primary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth within a supportive and collaborative community. Located in Newton Aycliffe, our nurturing environment allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with complex needs, while enjoying strong leadership, a friendly team, and opportunities for relevant training.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Newton Aycliffe
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Newton Aycliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Kirklees Metropolitan Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Kirklees Metropolitan Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
