At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare wholesome meals for students in a supportive school environment.
- Company: Established Alternative Provision school in Clitheroe with a focus on student well-being.
- Benefits: Sociable hours, competitive salary, free parking, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy autonomy in menu design.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualification or strong kitchen experience, plus food safety certification.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sociable daytime hours, no evenings or weekends)
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you an experienced Chef or Cook looking for an exceptional work-life balance while making a real, daily impact on young people? An established Alternative Provision (AP) school in Clitheroe is seeking a dedicated, compassionate School Chef to manage their on-site kitchen on a permanent basis. In this role, you will take full ownership of preparing wholesome, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for a small, supportive school community. Unlike high-stress commercial kitchens or unsociable shift patterns, this position offers steady 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekday hours, giving you your evenings and weekends back.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced, fresh meals daily for pupils and staff in line with School Food Standards.
- Manage all aspects of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and temperature recording adhering strictly to HACCP guidelines.
- Cater safely for diverse dietary needs, food intolerances, and life-threatening allergens with rigorous cross-contamination controls.
- Oversee stock control, inventory rotation (FIFO), and placing routine supplier orders within budget.
- Foster a welcoming, calm kitchen atmosphere - mealtimes in an AP setting play a vital therapeutic role in student regulation and routine.
- Maintain kitchen cleaning schedules, equipment checks, and hygiene compliance documentation.
Requirements & Skills
- Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering, or City & Guilds equivalent) or strong commercial kitchen experience.
- Current Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering certificate.
- Previous experience cooking in a school, care home, contract catering, or fresh-food commercial environment.
- Solid understanding of the 14 major food allergens, special dietary requirements, and kitchen health and safety protocols.
- A calm, dependable approach and an understanding of working in a school environment supporting pupils with diverse needs.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one prior to start).
Benefits & What We Offer
- Sociable Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. No evenings, no split shifts, and no weekend work.
- Competitive Permanent Salary: Up to £28,000 per year.
- Autonomy: Freedom to design engaging, nutritious menus within school guidelines.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a dedicated multidisciplinary pastoral and educational staff team in the Ribble Valley.
- Free on-site parking and access to ongoing professional development.
How to Apply
Click apply with an up-to-date CV highlighting your cooking qualifications and catering background. Fast-track interviews and kitchen walk-throughs are available immediately for shortlisted candidates.
School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP) in Clitheroe employer: Tradewind Recruitment Careers
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer for teachers seeking a fulfilling role in Barnet primary schools. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and transparent pay structures, we empower educators to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Our focus on personalised learning and support for diverse needs ensures that every teacher can contribute to a vibrant educational environment.
Contact Details:
Tradewind Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP) in Clitheroe
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tradewind Recruitment Careers
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tradewind Recruitment Careers 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 School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP) in Clitheroe
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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers 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 Tradewind Recruitment Careers
✨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!
