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- Tasks: Assist in preparing delicious meals for students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, dedicated to transforming local services and supporting the community.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate and catering experience required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for eligible candidates; great opportunity for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 18848 - 21676 £ 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: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Position Details:
- Directorate: Place
- Locations: Penicuik High School (1)/Newbattle High School (2)
- Contract Status: Permanent
- Hours per Week: 30 hours per week (1) & 34.5 hours per week (2)
- Working Pattern: Mon – Thurs 07:45-14:30, Fri 08:00-13:30 (1) & Mon-Thurs 07:00-14:30, Fri 07:00-13:50 (2)
- 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 30 hours over 38 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £18,848.38 per annum. Based on 34.5 hours over 38 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £21,675.64 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 x2 - MID07266 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook x2 - MID07266
✨Tip Number 1
Get your food hygiene certificate sorted if you haven't already! It's a must-have for this role, and having it ready shows you're serious about the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your catering experience. Be ready to chat about your past roles and how they relate to the Assistant Cook position. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about common questions. Practice your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror. Confidence is key, and we believe in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook x2 - MID07266
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate and any catering qualifications you have. We want to see how your experience fits with the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific position. Mention why you’re excited about working at Penicuik or Newbattle High School and how you can contribute to the team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and qualifications are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Brush Up on Your Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you're well-versed in the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate content. Be ready to discuss how you apply food safety practices in a kitchen environment, as this will show your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Catering Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous catering roles that highlight your skills and adaptability. Whether it’s managing kitchen tasks or working under pressure, having concrete stories will help you stand out.
✨Understand the Role and Environment
Familiarise yourself with the working hours and environment at Penicuik High School and Newbattle High School. Knowing the specifics about the schools can help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Questions on Working with Children
Since this role involves regulated work with children, be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and your approach to creating a safe and supportive environment. This is crucial for showing you’re the right fit for the role.
