School Chef / Cook
- Peterborough
- £23,320-25,259 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Purpose of the Job
To plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced meals that support the health, wellbeing, and learning of
primary-aged children in a safe and caring environment. The Cook will ensure high standards of hygiene,
food safety, and service; including plating presentation and contribute to creating a positive lunchtime
experience for all pupils.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the daily running of the school kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and school nutritional standards.
- Manage stock, food ordering, and budget effectively.
- Promote a positive dining experience that encourages healthy eating habits.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff (if applicable).
- Be an active and cheerful presence in the school community.
- Plan and prepare a variety of child-friendly, healthy meals that can be adapted to meet dietary
- Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients, ensuring portion control and nutritional balance.
- Keep accurate records of menus, food and equipment temperatures, stock levels, and allergen
- Clean and maintain kitchen and equipment to required standards, following daily and weekly cleaning
- Ensure food is served efficiently and safely, working with lunchtime staff as needed.
- Liaise with suppliers and order food and cleaning materials within budget.
- Assist with the development and display of menus and themed food days to promote food awareness
- Attend relevant training courses and meetings as required by the school or local authority.
- Introduce new, appealing meals and themed days to engage children and promote a love for healthy
- Find solutions to accommodate pupils' individual dietary needs in fun, inclusive ways.
- Suggest and implement ideas to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support sustainability (e.g., using
- Encourage pupil involvement in food education (e.g., grow-your-own ingredients, taste testing, cooking
Contacts and Relationships:
- Pupils: Build positive, friendly relationships with children; promote confidence and good behaviour during
- Staff: Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and lunchtime staff to ensure smooth operation of
- Parents/Carers: Occasionally liaise with parents regarding dietary needs or food preferences.
- Suppliers: Maintain professional relationships with food providers and delivery services.
- Local Authority / Environmental Health: Ensure compliance with food safety standards and assist during
Decision Making:
- Decide on appropriate meal quantities and stock levels based on pupil numbers and menus.
- Make daily operational decisions around food preparation, presentation, and service delivery.
- Report any equipment faults or food safety concerns to the Office Manager or Headteacher promptly.
- Kitchen equipment, food stock, cleaning products, and supplies.
- Responsibility for adhering to the kitchen budget (with oversight from the Office Manager).
- Management of kitchen assistant staff, supported by members of SLT.
- Work is primarily in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cleaning materials, and food
- Requires standing for long periods and lifting/moving equipment or supplies.
- Role is term-time only + 2 days, with working hours typically during school mornings and early
General:
- Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- A positive, friendly manner and enjoyment of working with children
- Ability to plan and manage menus, orders, and time effectively
- Basic IT or admin skills for recording data (or willingness to learn)
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Good understanding of special dietary needs and allergens
- Experience working in a school or child-focused environment