At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school kitchen and prepare fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Friendly school in Bromley with a supportive team environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy school hours, holidays off, and opportunities for training and development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy, delicious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 20790 - 25410 £ per year.
School Chef
About the role
Horizon Teachers is working with a friendly and well‑run school in Bromley to appoint an experienced School Chef.
You will lead the school kitchen and prepare fresh, nutritious and appealing meals for pupils and staff every day.
Good food makes a real difference to how children learn, so you will play an important part in school life.
In return you get the work‑life balance of school hours and school holidays.
Key responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, cook and serve healthy, freshly made meals in line with the School Food Standards.
- Plan menus that are varied, balanced and popular with pupils, and include options for vegetarian, cultural and religious diets.
- Manage allergens and special dietary requirements safely and accurately, following Natasha’s Law and the school’s allergy procedures.
- Order and receive stock, rotate it, and keep food waste and costs to a minimum.
- Keep the kitchen, equipment and storage areas clean, safe and hygienic at all times.
- Complete and record food safety checks, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules and HACCP records.
- Follow COSHH, health and safety and safeguarding procedures in the kitchen and dining hall.
- Lead and support kitchen assistants, and give them clear direction during busy service times.
- Help prepare food for school events, trips and special occasions when needed.
- Get ready for and support Environmental Health inspections, aiming to keep a 5-star food hygiene rating.
- What we’re looking for
- Experience as a chef or cook in a school, nursery, care or other high‑volume catering setting.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certificate (Level 3 desirable).
- Good knowledge of allergen management and food safety law.
- Ability to cook from scratch to a consistently high standard, on time and on budget.
- Good organisation, with the ability to work calmly under pressure.
- A positive, flexible attitude and good communication skills with staff and pupils.
- Experience supervising kitchen staff is desirable but not essential.
- What’s on offer
- School hours and term-time working, with no late nights or weekends.
- A supportive school team and a kitchen you can call your own.
- A dedicated consultant from Horizon Teachers to support you through the process.
- Opportunities for training and development.
- Safeguarding
Horizon Teachers and our partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will need an enhanced DBS check with barred list, satisfactory references and proof of the right to work in the UK.
Online checks may be carried out for shortlisted candidates, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
We're proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.
As part of our registration process, you'll need an enhanced DBS check and we'll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement.
- Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
School Chef employer: Operam Education
Horizon Teachers is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff and students. Located in the vibrant community of Redbridge, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and a collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Operam Education. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Operam Education
Don't be shy about reaching out to Operam Education directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Operam Education and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Operam Education
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
