At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious, nutritious meals that make lunchtime a highlight for kids.
- Company: A caring Catholic primary federation focused on community and well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the joy of making a difference.
- Other info: Permanent role with opportunities to grow within a friendly school community.
- Why this job: Join a team that ensures every child enjoys a hot meal at school.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking simple, nutritious food and understanding dietary needs.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 € per year.
A warm, community-focused Catholic primary federation in Harlesden, Brent is seeking a School Chef to join its team from September 2026 or sooner. This School Chef role will support children across an infant and nursery school and a neighbouring junior school, helping make lunchtime a positive, enjoyable and important part of every child's school day.
Permanent opportunity to work across a caring two-school federation in Harlesden, Brent. Salary of £25,000-£30,000, depending on experience.
The School Chef will play a key role in ensuring children look forward to coming to school and enjoying a hot, well-prepared meal each day. This is an excellent role for a School Chef who understands that, for some pupils, their school lunch may be the only hot, freshly prepared meal they receive that day.
You do not need to be overly fancy or complicated, but you must be able to cook simple, nutritious food really well. The School Chef will prepare meals that children genuinely enjoy, while keeping food quality, presentation, hygiene and consistency high.
You will plan and deliver balanced meals, follow school food standards, manage allergens and support pupils with dietary requirements. The School Chef will work closely with school leaders, kitchen staff and lunchtime teams.
School Chef in London employer: RIBBONS AND REEVES
Join a warm and community-focused Catholic primary federation in Harlesden, Brent, where as a School Chef, you will play a vital role in enriching children's school experience through nutritious and enjoyable meals. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive work culture, this permanent position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young lives in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and catering sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a School Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, prepare a sample meal or two that showcases your ability to create simple, nutritious dishes. Bring it along to interviews or share photos online to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to schools in your area, especially those with a community focus. Let them know you’re interested in a School Chef role and how you can contribute to their lunch programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that School Chef gig. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of a caring school community.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking for children. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your ability to create simple, nutritious meals that kids enjoy. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you've cooked for children or worked in a school environment. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of providing quality meals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your experience!
Be Clear About Your Skills:List out your cooking skills and any relevant qualifications. If you have experience managing allergens or dietary requirements, make it clear! We want to know how you can contribute to making lunchtime a positive experience for our pupils.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community-focused team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS AND REEVES
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the school and its community. Understand their values, especially since it's a Catholic primary federation. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Cooking Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Bring examples of simple, nutritious meals you've prepared in the past, and be ready to explain how you ensure food quality and hygiene. If possible, mention any specific dietary requirements you've catered to, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The School Chef role involves working closely with school leaders and kitchen staff. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with others. Share examples of how you've worked in a team to create a positive dining experience for children, as this will demonstrate your fit for the school's community-focused environment.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to nutrition, meal planning, and how they support children with dietary needs. This shows your commitment to the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
