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- Tasks: Support the delivery of nutritious meals and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Channing School, dedicated to child welfare and high-quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunch, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through healthy, delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a Food Safety Level 2 certificate.
- Other info: Term-time hours with potential for holiday work; active role in a busy kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 46200 ÂŁ per year.
Based at the Junior School, this is a varied and rewarding role that supports the delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and child-friendly meals for pupils, staff, and school events. Working closely with the Chef Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, menu planning, supervising staff, and maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. You will also assist with special diets, allergen-safe meals, and contribute to sustainable kitchen practices.
We are looking for a motivated and organised individual with experience in a professional kitchen, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Candidates should have a Food Safety Level 2 certificate (or be willing to obtain one) and be keen to develop their skills in a busy school catering environment. Previous experience in a school setting is desirable. A good understanding of safeguarding, nutrition, and health and safety procedures is an advantage.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break (35 hours per week). The role is largely term-time, with up to 4 weeks’ work during school holidays as required. This is a physically active role in a busy kitchen, and regular on-site attendance is required.
Salary & Benefits:
- Competitive salary circa ÂŁ33,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Free lunch provided every day
- Non-contributory pension (10% employer contribution)
- Annual flu vaccination and Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to school sports facilities (when available)
- Training and development opportunities
How to Apply:
Please complete the TES application by clicking on Apply below. CVs will not be accepted in place of the application form. Deadline: 2 February 2026. Interviews: Friday, 13 February 2026.
Safeguarding Commitment:
Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows a formal recruitment procedure for all staff in line with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” and the school’s Child Protection Policy. A copy of this procedure is available on request. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act. Ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.
Sous Chef employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Channing School and understand their commitment to safeguarding and nutrition. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your culinary skills under pressure! Since this role involves working in a busy kitchen, try cooking in a fast-paced environment. This will prepare you for the day-to-day challenges and demonstrate your ability to handle the heat when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your interpersonal skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've worked with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight your experience in supervising staff and collaborating on menu planning to prove you're a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to complete the TES application form as instructed. This is your chance to shine, so take the time to fill it out thoughtfully and showcase your passion for providing nutritious meals in a school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role of Sous Chef.
Show Your Passion for Cooking: Let your love for food shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced but also genuinely excited about creating nutritious and child-friendly meals. Share any personal anecdotes or experiences that showcase your passion.
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 qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you the best fit for our kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website as instructed! We won’t accept CVs instead of the application form, so make sure you follow the process. It’s super easy, and it helps us keep everything organised. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Sous Chef, especially in a school setting. Be ready to discuss your experience with food preparation, menu planning, and maintaining hygiene standards. Highlight any specific examples where you've successfully managed these tasks.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As you'll be supervising staff, it's crucial to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with team members in previous roles. This will show that you can maintain a positive kitchen environment.
✨Be Ready for Special Diets
Since the role involves catering to special diets and allergen-safe meals, brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled similar situations in the past and your approach to ensuring all meals are safe and nutritious.
✨Understand the School Environment
Research the school's values and commitment to safeguarding. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a safe and supportive environment for children. Showing that you understand the unique challenges of working in a school kitchen will set you apart from other candidates.
