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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.
Tasks and Duties:
* Plan and prepare a variety of child-friendly, healthy meals that can be adapted to meet dietary
requirements including allergies and intolerances.
* 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
information.
* Clean and maintain kitchen and equipment to required standards, following daily and weekly cleaning
schedules.
* 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
and enjoyment.
* Attend relevant training courses and meetings as required by the school or local authority.
Creativity and Innovation:
* Introduce new, appealing meals and themed days to engage children and promote a love for healthy
food.
* 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
local produce).
* Encourage pupil involvement in food education (e.g., grow-your-own ingredients, taste testing, cooking
clubs).
Contacts and Relationships:
* Pupils: Build positive, friendly relationships with children; promote confidence and good behaviour during
lunch.
* Staff: Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and lunchtime staff to ensure smooth operation of
lunch service.
* 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
inspections.
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.
Resources Managed:
* 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.
Working Conditions:
* Work is primarily in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cleaning materials, and food
allergens.
* 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
afternoons.
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)
Required skills/experience:
* Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
* Good understanding of special dietary needs and allergens
Desirable:
* Experience working in a school or child-focused environment
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
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