This role ensures that Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge delivers a safe, efficient, and high‑quality catering service for students and colleagues. Working under the direction of the Catering Manager, the postholder will lead a team of catering assistants to prepare and serve freshly cooked meals, maintain hygiene standards, and provide a positive dining experience for the school community. The School Chef plays a key part in supporting the health, wellbeing, and daily experience of students and colleagues.
The role also supports the wider Trust by providing cover for other schools when required, helping ensure consistent standards across Maiden Erlegh Trust's catering operations.
Food Preparation and Service
* Prepare and present food to agreed standards, ensuring quality, safety, and portion control.
* Oversee the service area and the use of cashless tills, maintaining accurate records of daily takings.
* Support menu development, including allergen‑safe options and compliance with nutritional standards.
Health, Safety and Hygiene
* Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
* Ensure all catering staff follow hygiene regulations and complete required training.
* Comply with Health and Safety and COSHH regulations at all times.
Team Leadership and Organisation
* Line‑manage catering assistants, supporting effective teamwork and professional conduct.
* Contribute to staff rotas, workload planning, and performance standards.
* Provide support for other Trust schools in times of significant staff absence.
Continuous Improvement
* Undertake training and development to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of food safety and best practice.
* Identify and implement practical improvements within the catering operation.
* Work flexibly to ensure the smooth running of daily service and special events.
Qualifications
Professional Expertise
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience.
* Food Hygiene qualification or willingness to train.
* Experience preparing and serving fresh food in a large‑scale catering operation.
* Understanding of Health and Safety, COSHH, and first aid procedures.
Approach and Mindset
* Reliable, organised, and able to prioritise work calmly and efficiently.
* Confident leading a small team and contributing positively to a collaborative working environment.
* Flexible and proactive with a commitment to maintaining high standards.
* Physically capable of undertaking manual tasks such as lifting, cleaning, and standing for periods of time.
* Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high‑quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
* Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
* Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
* ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
* Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff. Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.
* Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office‑based work where appropriate.
* Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
* Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
* Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access 24/7 support and more.
Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:
1. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to Every to process my onboarding paperwork.
2. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to National College to receive my induction training.
3. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, that I consent to processing my DBS check using the personal details provided.
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