Company Description
Prospect House School is a leading co-educational independent prep school in south-west London, overlooking Putney Heath. The school offers a close-knit, village-style atmosphere where staff, children, and families work together to support each child’s development and wellbeing. Food is key in ensuring pupils are well fuelled, well nourished and ready to learn.
Role Description
The Head Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils and staff in line with school budgets and dietary requirements. This part-time, on-site role in London includes designing seasonal menus along reporting to and working with the Head Chef of the Upper School and Headteachers across both sites, managing food ordering and stock control, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, and maintaining all food safety and hygiene standards. The Head Chef for the Lower School will lead and coordinate the kitchen team, organise daily tasks, and ensure efficient service during meal times. The role also involves working collaboratively with school leadership to support events, adapt menus for allergies or special diets, and promote a positive, child-centered dining experience.
Qualifications
- Strong skills in menu planning, food preparation, and cooking for large groups (around 150 currently at the Lower School), preferably in an education or similar catering environment.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP procedures, and best practices in hygiene, nutrition, and allergen management.
- Experience supervising kitchen staff, organising workflows, and maintaining efficient, safe kitchen operations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, communicate effectively, and respond flexibly to changing needs and schedules.
- Relevant professional catering qualifications (e.g., NVQ or equivalent), Food Hygiene certification, and prior experience as a Head Chef or senior chef.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including willingness to undergo background checks in line with school policies.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who gives 100%, manages small teams well, loves their job, is knowledgable and passionate about food and nutrition; someone who shows up and goes above and beyond on a daily basis.
What you can expect
School holidays, good work-life balance, the chance to work with and for an incredible team, world class training opportunities through Dukes Education, the chance to develop the role, and a place to work where you feel valued through wellbeing days, staff socials and staff superhero awards, with competitive pay and pension contributions, plus optional health care benefits.
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Head Chef employer: PROSPECT HOUSE SCHOOL
Prospect House School is an innovative and ambitious educational institution located in London, offering a dynamic work environment for those passionate about digital learning. As the Head of Computing, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team that prioritises professional development and leadership opportunities, allowing you to inspire both pupils and staff while shaping the future of technology in education. Join us to be at the forefront of digital innovation and make a meaningful impact in our school community.
