At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school kitchen, preparing nutritious meals for 210 pupils and promoting healthy eating.
- Company: Join a supportive school environment focused on student well-being.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a great work-life balance during term time.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and develop your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food safety standards required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 € per hour.
Location: Kent
Contract: 28.5 hours per week x 39 weeks (38 term time weeks and a further week equivalent spread through the academic year).
Working hours: 8.00am – 1.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8.00am – 2.30pm Wednesday.
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Lead Cook to lead our school kitchen and provide nutritious, high‑quality meals for approximately 210 pupils. You will take day‑to‑day responsibility for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the school kitchen, supported by two kitchen assistants, and play a key role in promoting healthy eating in a positive primary school environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the school kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
- Plan and review termly menus in line with School Food Standards, pupil preferences and nutritional guidelines.
- Manage food allergens, maintaining accurate records and ensuring safe preparation and service for pupils with dietary needs.
- Supervise and support two kitchen assistants, allocating duties and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
- Order food and supplies, carry out stock control, and monitor portion control to support the catering budget.
- Maintain food safety documentation including temperature checks, cleaning records and allergen information.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, COSHH, Health.
Lead Cook - Part-time employer: Sandwich Infant
As a Lead Cook in our vibrant school kitchen in Kent, you will be part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to providing nutritious meals for our pupils. We offer a positive work culture that values your contributions, with opportunities for professional growth and development within the educational sector. Enjoy the unique advantage of working term time only, allowing for a balanced work-life schedule while making a meaningful impact on children's health and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook - Part-time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! Visit the school if you can, or check out their website and social media. Understanding their values and culture will help you connect with the team during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your cooking or share a creative menu idea that aligns with their focus on healthy eating. This will demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about food safety and allergen management. Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and COSHH regulations, as these are crucial in a school kitchen setting. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook - Part-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for cooking and providing nutritious meals. Share any relevant experiences or achievements that highlight your skills in the kitchen and your commitment to healthy eating.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen, working with dietary needs, and leading a team. This will show us that you understand what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our school kitchen.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research current school food standards and think about how you can incorporate healthy eating into your menus. Being able to discuss specific meal ideas during the interview will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Cook, you'll be supervising kitchen assistants. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen effectively.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and other relevant food safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This shows that you take food safety seriously and are committed to providing a safe environment for the pupils.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to nutrition or how they involve pupils in menu planning. It shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
