At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals that children love and ensure a smooth lunch service.
- Company: Community-focused Catholic primary federation in Harlesden, Brent.
- Benefits: Salary of £25,000-£30,000, depending on experience, with a permanent role.
- Other info: Join a caring team and enjoy a fulfilling role in a vibrant school environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing them with healthy meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in school kitchens or similar settings is a plus.
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 to make sure the lunch service runs smoothly.
You should have strong food hygiene knowledge, confidence preparing meals in volume and a calm, organised approach to a busy school kitchen. Previous experience as a School Chef, Cook, Catering Manager or Kitchen Supervisor in a school, nursery or care setting would be highly advantageous.
The successful School Chef will be practical, reliable, caring and someone who “gets it”, understanding that school food is about dignity, routine, comfort and giving children something to look forward to. This School Chef role in Harlesden, Brent would suit someone who takes pride in feeding children well and wants to make a genuine difference every day.
School Chef in London employer: Ribbons & Reeves
Ribbons & Reeves is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Tower Hamlets where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. With a strong focus on professional development, ongoing training, and small class sizes, we empower our staff to thrive while fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that values impactful mentorship and prioritises the growth of both students and educators alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef in London
✨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 Ribbons & Reeves. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ribbons & Reeves
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ribbons & Reeves 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 in London
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 Ribbons & Reeves 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 Ribbons & Reeves
✨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!
