We are seeking to appoint an ambitious and passionate Relief Cook, to join our busy Catering Team,
to help support delivery of quality school lunches to children across WISE Academies. You will work
as part of an experienced and committed Catering Team across WISE Catering Services to produce
delicious and nutritious meals that meet the needs of our pupils.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking meals for lunch service across
our organisation's kitchens, depending on where support is needed. It is therefore essential that the
candidate appointed has the ability to travel independently to our locations throughout Sunderland,
Newcastle, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Durham.
The role involves 25 hours per week across five days, Monday to Friday. Additional hours
may occasionally be required subject to the exigencies of the service. The successful candidate
must therefore be flexible and able to work the extra hours when necessary, which will be paid at the
appropriate rate.
Responsibilities will include preparing meals, cooking, and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the
kitchen and food service areas along with ordering ingredients as needed under the direction of the
WISE Catering Manager.
The Relief Cook will assist in planning and preparing balanced, varied meals tailored to individual
dietary needs and preferences; maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen and
food storage areas; as well as managing food budgets and ordering supplies efficiently.
You will work across multiple establishments that are part of WISE Academies. The Relief Cook will
not be a permanent employee of a single Academy. Instead the Relief Cook will provide cover for
regular cooks who are absent or where there are staff shortages by assisting the permanent kitchen
team during these periods to ensure service runs smoothly.
The successful candidate will have:
● An appropriate catering qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation or equivalent) with
catering experience working in a school/ commercial kitchen or similar environment.
● Strong knowledge of food safety including food allergies and allergens as well as health and
safety regulations
● The ability to travel to support the provision of catering across the Trust's Academies.
● A willingness to work flexibly in order to support service delivery.
● A professional approach to giving a high quality service and the ability to work as part of a
busy team.
● Experience in a fast-paced environment.
5
The mission of WISE Academies is to provide a high quality educational community, which offers
life-changing opportunities in a safe, creative and exciting environment.
We can offer you:
● The opportunity to be part of a dynamic and passionate team in WISE Academies.
● Term time only working.
● Travel expenses paid at HMRC rates.
● Free workplace parking.
● Paid travel time when deployed to support academies across the Trust.
● Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
● Personal Protective Equipment will be provided free of charge.
● Access to the WISE Academies Well-Being package.
● A comprehensive induction and training programme with ongoing development.
● Ongoing commitment to your professional development.
● A commitment to managing staff workload and wellbeing at all times.
WISE Academies safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in
accordance with Local Safeguarding Board Procedures.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any
appointment is confirmed. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service clearance.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a
criminal record check from the Disclosure Barring Services.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from as diverse a group as
possible.
WISE Academies will also consider carrying out an online search for all candidates to help identify any
potential issues that are publicly available online.
Applicants must have authorisation to work in the UK.
You can apply online through the North East Jobs Website, go to WISE Academies Jobs and
click Apply for Relief Cook - Fixed Term - Cover located across WISE Academies.
For further details, please see the supporting documents section of this advert. For any
queries, please contact WISE Recruitment Team by telephone [option 5] or e-mail
Please quote the vacancy reference when requesting additional information.
Closing date: 12 noon Friday 16th January 2026
Interviews: TBC
You can apply now by pasting this link into your browser:
Or go to the North East Jobs Website, go to WISE Academies Jobs and click Apply for Catering Assistant - Fixed Term - Haltwhistle Academy.
For any queries, please contact WISE Recruitment Team by telephone [option 5] or e-mail
Please quote the vacancy reference on your application form.
Closing Date: 12 noon on Wednesday 29th October 2025
Interviews: TBC
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14,577.00-£14,808.00 per year
Benefits:
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person