At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for students while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a leading hospitality recruitment agency with a focus on education and healthcare.
- Benefits: Earn from £16 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and weekends off.
- Other info: Opportunities for permanent placements and a referral bonus for bringing friends on board.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by providing healthy meals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: DBS certificate required, plus 6 months of chef experience and food safety certification.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Reading
Pay Rate: From £16 per hour (dependent on experience and client requirements)
Job Type: Flexible / Temporary (with potential for permanent opportunities)
About the Role
Berkeley Scott, one of the UK’s leading hospitality recruitment agencies, is currently recruiting an experienced and passionate School Chef to support a variety of clients within the Education and Healthcare sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for chefs seeking weekday work, work life balance, and the potential to secure long term or permanent placements in school kitchens.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing and cooking nutritious, balanced meals for students and staff
- Planning menus in line with school guidelines and dietary requirements
- Ensuring high standards of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen cleanliness
- Managing stock, ordering supplies, and minimising waste
- Supervising and supporting kitchen assistants during service
- Adhering to all food safety and health & safety regulations
What We’re Looking For
- Enhanced DBS Certificate (Child Workforce) – essential
- Right to work in the UK
- Minimum 6 months’ experience as a Chef (preferably in schools or similar environments)
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (or equivalent)
- Two employment references
- Strong reliability, organisation, and excellent timekeeping
- A passion for providing healthy meals for children and young people
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay from £16.00
- Flexible working to fit your availability
- Weekends off - ideal for work life balance
- Opportunities for overtime if desired
- The chance to work with a respected, nationwide agency
- Potential for permanent school chef placements
- Refer a friend scheme: Earn a £50 Amazon voucher after 10 shifts
Ready for a rewarding chef role with great work-life balance? Apply today and become part of a supportive school kitchen team.
School Chef in Reading employer: The Berkeley Scott Group
Berkeley Scott is an exceptional employer for School Chefs, offering competitive pay rates starting from £16 per hour and flexible working hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. With opportunities for permanent placements and a supportive work culture, employees can thrive in a rewarding environment while making a positive impact on the lives of students and staff in Reading's educational and healthcare sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, school staff, or even friends who might know someone in the education sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that School Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring samples of your cooking to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than a delicious dish that showcases your passion for healthy meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! Since this role offers temporary positions with potential for permanent work, being adaptable to different school environments can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can help you stand out from the crowd. Let’s get you into that school kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and providing healthy meals shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can make a difference in their lives through food.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience, especially in school or similar environments. We’re looking for chefs who understand the unique needs of educational settings, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the School Chef role. Remember, we want to know why you’re the best choice!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of landing an interview, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Berkeley Scott Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research common dietary requirements in schools and be ready to discuss how you can cater to them. This shows your passion for providing healthy meals and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your skills in menu planning, food hygiene, and managing kitchen staff. Be ready to explain how you’ve handled challenges in a school or similar environment, as this will demonstrate your reliability and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a School Chef, you’ll be working closely with kitchen assistants and other staff. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the kitchen. Highlight your ability to supervise and support team members, which is crucial for maintaining a smooth service.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school’s approach to nutrition and meal planning. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the school aligns with your values regarding healthy eating for children.
