At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals and manage kitchen operations for our pupils.
- Company: Join North Lakes, a leader in therapeutic care and education for young boys.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension, employee discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Job sharing options available; must be committed to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and ability to cater to dietary needs required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Polaris Education - North Lakes School
School Cook
Location: Herdley Bank School, Haltwhistle, Northumberland
Contract: Full Time, Term Time plus one additional week during school holidays
Salary: £21,257.48
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm
About Us
North Lakes Children’s Services is a well-established local provider of therapeutic residential care and education for boys aged 6-18. We improve the resilience, self-esteem and abilities of all the young people we work with.
We are currently seeking an experienced Cook to join our friendly local team. If you have excellent attention to detail, high standards and a desire to do your job to the best of your ability every day, a School Cook role may be the perfect job for you.
We will also consider part-time candidates who are looking for a job-share arrangement.
Main Duties
- Prepare innovative, healthy menus that meet the needs of our pupils
- Manage ordering, stock levels, stock rotation and cost control
- Ensure all food safety standards are followed
- Manage allergen and dietary requirements appropriately
- Supervise kitchen assistant staff
- Serve meals and provide a welcoming environment for pupils
Requirements
- Experience of cooking in a commercial or professional kitchen, ideally within a school kitchen or similar environment
- Ability to prepare high-quality, healthy meals in line with a school menu
- Ability to work within an agreed budget and order products when required
- Ability to cater for a range of dietary requirements
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Able or willing to use kitchen equipment
- Aware of kitchen hygiene rules
- Ability to undertake the physical aspects of the role, including carrying stock to and from the cellar in line with safe manual-handling practices
- Able to work unsupervised and deliver good-quality work
- Ability to follow instructions, complete tasks and use your own initiative
- Reliable access to the site. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required if you do not live locally in Haltwhistle, as the site is rather remote
- Term time plus one additional week during school holidays
- Company pension
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Access to training and development opportunities
North Lakes is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
North Lakes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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School Cook in Haltwhistle employer: Polaris Community
At Redstone Hall School in Ipswich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff and students alike. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through a variety of development opportunities, while our commitment to providing high-quality education ensures that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Join our passionate team and contribute to a positive environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Haltwhistle
✨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 Polaris Community. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Polaris Community
Don't be shy about reaching out to Polaris Community 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 Cook in Haltwhistle
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 Polaris Community 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 Polaris Community
✨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!
