At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen manager in delivering a smooth and effective lunch service.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Emersons Green Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and wellbeing through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school kitchen and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 17841 - 18124 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, South Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time, Term Time
Salary: £25,583-£25,989 FTE (Actual: £17,841.75-£18,124.90)
Posted: 17th November 2025
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Application Closing Date: 12/12/2025 - We recommend early application as the school reserves the right to close the advert prior to the stated deadline date
Interview date: w/c 15/12/2025
We are looking for an individual who:
- has experience of working in a school kitchen environment
- can support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service
- can assist in the promotion of healthy eating
- is flexible and able to adapt to ensure a smooth running of our lunch service
- maintains a calm and consistent approach to working with the children
- is able to communicate well with children, other staff and lead professionals
- shares the school’s vision and values
- has a patient, empathetic and conscientious nature and is committed to providing the best care and service for our children
- possesses good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team
Please refer to the candidate information pack for further details about this role.
Fluency Duty: This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents and other users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The School and Trust: Emersons Green Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, a family comprising 14 schools (12 primary, 1 junior, and 1 infant school), all united in our common goal of creating outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in our local communities.
At Emersons Green Primary we are Forging Mighty Futures through a pursuit of excellence, building bravery, championing uniqueness and embracing practice and effort. We wish to appoint an energetic and highly motivated teaching assistant to join our successful team on this exciting journey.
Emersons Green is a purpose-designed school, which opened in 2000. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, popular, inclusive community. We cater for 210 mainstream pupils and have a Resource Base for up to 14 pupils who have physical/Visual needs. These children are fully included into the mainstream classes and are supported by Resource Base staff. Our school values of Respect, Empathy, Bravery, Kindness permeate everything we do.
We encourage you to browse our respective websites for more information about Emersons Green Primary School and The Leaf Trust.
We can offer you:
- A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a dedicated and hard-working staff team.
- Professional Growth: We are committed to staff development and offer excellent CPD opportunities. Staff can also take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, allowing for practical experience and personal growth.
- Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 14 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
- Employee Wellbeing: Our staff’s opinion matters to us, which is why we conduct an annual staff survey to ensure their voice is heard. Additionally, our Wellbeing Committees are here to support staff in the workplace. Support staff benefit from generous leave entitlement.
- Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and discount retail platform to help you save money on various purchases.
How to Apply: All applicants are advised to refer to the candidate information pack, which includes the job description and specification, before submitting an application. If you feel that your skills and experience match the requirements of this post then please submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability for the role. In order to do so, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CVs.
Safeguarding Statement: The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment practices, suitability to work with children and young people will be assessed during the selection process. All appointments are subject to comprehensive vetting, including an enhanced DBS check, employment and reference checks, and an online search.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge employer: St Barnabas Primary School
Mangotsfield CofE Primary School offers a nurturing and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives. As a Lunchbreak Supervisor, you'll enjoy the benefits of part-time hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional development and training. Join our dedicated team in Bristol, where your contributions to pupil safety and welfare are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
St Barnabas Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
✨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 St Barnabas Primary School. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Barnabas Primary School
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Barnabas Primary School 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 Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
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 St Barnabas Primary School 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 St Barnabas Primary School
✨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!
