Head Chef

Job Purpose

To lead, innovate, motivate and work with a team whose aim is to serve fresh, interesting and nutritious school meals within budget which meet Government and the School’s standards at all times. To achieve a high level of quality and standards at all times regarding the food and hygiene, ensuring all health and safety procedures in relation to Catering are adhered to. To lead and manage the catering service in the school, including budget management, organising refreshments and staff event menus, all product orders and supplier communications. Develop innovative new menu items and food concepts, continuously developing the wider food offer. To use new innovative healthy menus and cookery skills to increase the uptake in school meals including promotion of the menu.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management
  • Lead, motivate, and develop the catering team to deliver a consistent, high-quality service.
  • Manage staffing levels, cleaning rotas, induction, training, and performance.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and health and safety legislation, receiving and maintaining a 5-star Environmental Health rating.
  • Manage the catering budget, monitor expenditure, and ensure cost-effective use of resources.
  • Maintain accurate financial and administrative records, including meal counts and cost analysis.
  • Ensure security of kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Food Preparation, Quality, and Standards
  • Lead the preparation and delivery of fresh, seasonal, and balanced meals daily.
  • Design and implement a 2-week rolling menu aligned with School Food Standards and diverse dietary needs, changing these 3 times a year.
  • Maintain consistent food presentation, portion control, and quality.
  • Collaborate with Chefs in Schools to develop innovative recipes and themed menus.
  • Promote healthy eating through taster sessions, theme days, and community events.
  • Work with the school horticulture lead to use of garden produce and support sustainability initiatives.
  • Support breakfast club and after-school food provision as needed.
  • Ensure that event catering is planned and organised in advance. Orders to be placed and accurately logged under the correct budget.
• Health, Safety, and Hygiene
  • Ensure full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, SFBB, and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
  • Maintain cleaning schedules and conduct regular kitchen inspections.
  • Ensure all catering staff wear appropriate uniforms and PPE.
  • Report incidents, accidents, and equipment faults promptly.
  • Conduct regular stock takes and audits.
• Procurement and Administration
  • Manage ordering, deliveries, and stock rotation to minimise waste, recording stock takes and daily waste.
  • Monitor supplier performance and ensure best value for money.
  • Maintain all records required for audits, inspections, and internal reporting.
  • Create recipe cards for each menu item prior to menu release and store these in a folder electronically and paper copies in the office.
• Conduct and Communication
  • Uphold the ethos and values of Laurel Park School.
  • Model professional, courteous, and respectful behaviour at all times.
  • Work collaboratively with school staff, pupils, and parents to promote the school’s Food Vision.
• General Tasks
  • Ensure that the catering areas and kitchen are cleaned daily.
  • Attend to the cleanliness of storage areas, including fridges and freezers.
  • Ensure equipment is cleaned each day and maintained in good condition.
  • Attend training sessions and meetings as required.

This is a description of the main duties and responsibilities of the post at the date of production. The duties may change over time as requirements and circumstances change. The person in the post may also have to carry out other duties as may be necessary from time to time. Such duties and responsibilities may be updated from time to time to reflect any changes to the School. Only significant additional duties or responsibilities as required by the Head teacher / SLT will render the grade of the post liable for re-evaluation. In undertaking this role, the post holder shall ensure that all duties are carried out with due regard to the school’s Safeguarding, Health and Safety and other school policies and procedures. All schools and services in Enfield are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Therefore, all workers and employees within Enfield are expected to share this commitment. Please note: This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post and may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the post holder. The post requires clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).