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- Tasks: Assist in preparing meals and maintaining kitchen standards at Danderhall Primary School.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, dedicated to transforming local services.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and 26 hours per week.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate and catering experience required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for eligible candidates; supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 16335 - 16335 £ per year.
Knowledge: A REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate, an SVQ2 or equivalent in catering and experience of working in a catering environment are essential for this post.
Closing Date: Monday 5th January 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 15th January 2026
Position Details:
- Directorate: Place
- Location: Danderhall Primary School
- Contract Status: Permanent
- Hours per Week: 26 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Mon – Thurs 08:30-14:30, Fri 09:00-13:00
- Weeks per Year: 38
Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 26 hours over 38 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £16,335.26 per annum.
Requirements: This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk.
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
Additional Information: If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Assistant Cook - Danderhall Primary School - MID07213 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook - Danderhall Primary School - MID07213
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Danderhall Primary School and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in catering and your passion for working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Make sure you look professional and presentable for your interview. First impressions matter, especially in a role where you'll be working closely with children and staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook - Danderhall Primary School - MID07213
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate and any catering qualifications you have. We want to see that you've got the right skills for the job, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application to fit the Assistant Cook role. Mention your experience in catering environments and how it relates to what we’re looking for at Danderhall Primary School.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the important stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food hygiene knowledge and catering experience. Be ready to discuss your REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate and any relevant qualifications like SVQ2. This shows you're serious about the role and understand the importance of safety in a school kitchen.
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and working in a kitchen environment. This can help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but this specific one.
✨Prepare for Questions About Working with Children
Since this role involves working with children, be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle various situations in a school setting. Think about your approach to creating a positive and safe environment for kids, and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Understand the PVG Scheme
Familiarise yourself with the PVG Scheme and its requirements, as you'll need to undergo a check before starting. Being knowledgeable about this process will show that you're proactive and understand the responsibilities that come with working in a regulated environment.
