School Cook – London

Job Description

The School Cook role is integral to the daily life of the school community. Beyond preparing meals, you will be a visible, friendly presence in the dining hall, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel encouraged to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits. The school serves a diverse student population, and you will take pride in crafting menus that reflect this diversity while meeting all nutritional standards set by the Department for Education.

You will be expected to maintain meticulous records relating to food safety, including HACCP documentation, temperature monitoring logs, and allergen matrices. The school undergoes regular environmental health inspections, and your diligence will be key to sustaining the kitchen's excellent compliance record. Additionally, you will manage inventory, place orders with approved suppliers, and control food costs without compromising on quality.

This role also involves occasional catering for school events, such as open days, parent evenings, and staff functions. Your flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile will be highly valued and recognised by the school leadership team. In return, you will enjoy a supportive working environment, ongoing training opportunities, and the immense satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to the health and happiness of hundreds of children every single day.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook balanced, nutritious meals for students and staff, adhering to school food standards and portion control guidelines.
• Plan weekly menus in collaboration with the catering team, incorporating seasonal produce and accommodating special dietary requirements including allergies and cultural preferences.
• Maintain rigorous food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring full compliance with HACCP protocols and environmental health regulations.
• Oversee stock management, including ordering ingredients, monitoring inventory levels, minimising food waste, and controlling costs effectively.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Kitchen Porters and catering assistants, delegating tasks effectively and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, well-maintained, and used safely, reporting any faults or maintenance needs promptly to the facilities team.
• Engage with students and staff to gather feedback on meals, continuously improving the dining experience and adapting menus accordingly.
• Complete daily kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen documentation, ensuring full traceability.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a cook or chef in a school, care home, restaurant, or similar high-volume catering environment.
• A recognised food hygiene qualification (Level 2 Food Safety minimum; Level 3 is highly desirable and may be funded for the right candidate).
• Strong knowledge of nutritional guidelines for children and a thorough understanding of common food allergies and intolerances.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks calmly and efficiently under pressure during peak service times.
• A valid Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one prior to starting; the school will support this process).
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team of catering and education professionals.
• Flexibility to adapt menus and working methods to meet evolving school needs and seasonal changes.
• A genuine passion for promoting healthy eating and making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of children and young people.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from £24,000 to £28,500, depending on experience and qualifications, with London weighting applied.
• Term-time only working schedule, offering approximately 13 weeks of holiday per year—ideal for those seeking an exceptional work-life balance.
• Enrolment in a workplace pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including fully funded training for advanced food safety qualifications and career progression pathways.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a respected London school community that values staff wellbeing.
• Staff meals provided during working hours at no cost.
• Uniform and personal protective equipment supplied at no cost, replaced as needed throughout the year.
• Potential for career progression into senior catering roles within the wider school network, with mentoring and leadership development available.

How to Apply

If you are a skilled cook ready to bring your culinary talents to a rewarding school environment, we want to hear from you. Our recruitment process is straightforward and transparent, designed to match the right candidates with the right schools across London. As one of the leading names in the sector, Workers Direct has built a reputation as the best temping agency in London, connecting talented professionals with outstanding opportunities that align with their skills and career aspirations.

We take pride in our thorough approach to employee recruitment, ensuring every placement benefits both the candidate and the employer for the long term. For those looking to understand what sets exceptional hiring apart, our guide on how to best hire employees provides valuable insights into modern recruitment practices. Whether you are an experienced school cook, a chef transitioning into the education sector, or a talented culinary professional seeking a role with genuine purpose, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.

To apply for this School Cook role in London, please submit your application today. Our team reviews all applications thoroughly and will contact shortlisted candidates to arrange an initial conversation. We are committed to responding to every applicant and providing constructive feedback wherever possible.

If you are interested, email your CV to [contact_email]