Expected start date late September.Purpose of the JobTo plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced meals that support the health, wellbeing, and learning ofprimary-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 lunchtimeexperience 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 dietaryrequirements 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 allergeninformation.* Clean and maintain kitchen and equipment to required standards, following daily and weekly cleaningschedules.* 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 awarenessand 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 healthyfood.* 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., usinglocal produce).* Encourage pupil involvement in food education (e.g., grow-your-own ingredients, taste testing, cookingclubs).Contacts and Relationships:* Pupils: Build positive, friendly relationships with children; promote confidence and good behaviour duringlunch.* Staff: Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and lunchtime staff to ensure smooth operation oflunch 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 duringinspections.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 foodallergens.* 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 earlyafternoons.General:* Knowledge of food hygiene and health and 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 allergensDesirable:* Experience working in a school or child-focused environmentInterview Email DescriptionBlue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

TPBN1_UKCT