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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Emersons Green Primary School's website and social media. Understanding their mission will help you connect your experience with what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences align with the role of Kitchen Unit Manager and how you can promote healthy eating.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share stories that highlight your patience and empathy, as these qualities are key for this role.
✨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 shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Unit Manager / Cook In Charge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so highlight those relevant skills and experiences in your application.
Show Your Passion for the Role:Let us know why you're excited about this position! Share your enthusiasm for working in a school kitchen environment and how you can contribute to promoting healthy eating among children. A little passion goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your suitability for the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Barnabas Primary School
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge about kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss your experience in a school kitchen environment, as well as how you can support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service.
✨Promote Healthy Eating
Since the role involves promoting healthy eating, think of examples where you've successfully encouraged nutritious choices. Share your ideas on how to make healthy meals appealing to children during the interview.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Be prepared to talk about times when you've had to adapt quickly in a busy kitchen setting. Highlight your ability to maintain a calm approach while ensuring a smooth lunch service, especially when things get hectic.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Effective communication is key, especially when working with children and staff. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
