At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook delicious meals that energise students and keep them smiling.
- Company: Join a supportive school community where your cooking makes a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, part-time hours, and a fun, creative kitchen environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities to make every meal special.
- Why this job: Bring joy to children through food and be part of their learning journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen, passion for food, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 31000 £ per year.
Salary - Scale E, £13.90-£14.59 per hour (depending on experience) Permanent Part Time 32.5 hours per week (M-F) Term Time only (38 weeks) Required for September 2026
Do you love whipping up tasty meals that make people smile? Does the sound of happy chatter around the dining table brighten your day? Then you might be the perfect fit for our wonderful school kitchen team! After 28 years, our fabulous cook has decided to hang up her apron, and now we are on the hunt for her replacement. We are looking for someone who can bring creativity, knowledge and a dash of fun to our bustling dining hall. You’ll be serving up hearty favourites, nutritious treats, and special events for children, and sometimes their families.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Cooking delicious meals that keep our pupils energised and ready to learn
- Planning menus that are healthy, exciting, and full of variety
- Ordering all the ingredients for the kitchen’s creations
- Keeping the kitchen running smoothly with an effective team that takes pride in its achievements
What We’re Looking For
- A passion for food, high standards and feeding hungry minds
- A positive, can-do attitude mixed with the ability to prioritise
- Someone who can keep all the plates spinning (metaphorically!)
- Experience in a kitchen is essential, as are enthusiasm and a sense of humour
Why You’ll Love It Here
You’ll be part of a supportive school community where your cooking truly makes a difference. Every day brings something new and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping children thrive.
Closing date: 12 June 2026, 1pm
Interview date: 17 June 2026
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To this end, you may be required to undergo pre-employment checks. This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
School Cook in Diss employer: Roydon Primary School
At Roydon Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and vibrant work environment where your culinary skills can shine. As a School Cook, you'll not only create delicious meals that fuel our students' learning but also be part of a close-knit community dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives. With opportunities for personal growth and the joy of seeing happy faces at mealtimes, this role offers a truly rewarding experience in a supportive educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Diss
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and what they serve. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your culinary creativity to the table! During the interview, share some of your favourite recipes or menu ideas that could fit into their school meals. This not only showcases your passion for food but also demonstrates how you can contribute to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! The kitchen is all about collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with others in past roles. Share examples of how you’ve kept things running smoothly, even when the pressure's on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Diss
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:Let us know how much you love cooking! Share your favourite dishes and any creative ideas you have for school menus. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your kitchen experience in your application. Whether it's professional or personal, we want to know how you've kept those plates spinning in the past!
Keep It Fun and Engaging:Remember, we’re looking for someone who can bring a dash of fun to our kitchen! Use a friendly tone in your application to show us your personality and how you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board with our amazing school community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Roydon Primary School
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it impacts the children you’ll be serving. Share specific examples of meals you've created that brought joy to others, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Menu Planning Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would plan healthy and exciting menus. Bring ideas to the table that showcase your creativity and knowledge of nutrition, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since you'll be working in a team, share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Emphasise your ability to keep things running smoothly and how you contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Bring a Sense of Humour
Don’t forget to let your personality shine through! A sense of humour can go a long way in a school kitchen. Share light-hearted anecdotes from your previous roles that show you can handle the pressures of a busy kitchen while keeping spirits high.
