School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sociable daytime hours, no evenings or weekends)

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced Chef or Cook looking for an exceptional work-life balance while making a real, daily impact on young people?

An established Alternative Provision (AP) school in Clitheroe is seeking a dedicated, compassionate School Chef to manage their on-site kitchen on a permanent basis.

In this role, you will take full ownership of preparing wholesome, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for a small, supportive school community. Unlike high-stress commercial kitchens or unsociable shift patterns, this position offers steady 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekday hours, giving you your evenings and weekends back.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced, fresh meals daily for pupils and staff in line with School Food Standards.

• Manage all aspects of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and temperature recording adhering strictly to HACCP guidelines.

• Cater safely for diverse dietary needs, food intolerances, and life-threatening allergens with rigorous cross-contamination controls.

• Oversee stock control, inventory rotation (FIFO), and placing routine supplier orders within budget.

• Foster a welcoming, calm kitchen atmosphere-mealtimes in an AP setting play a vital therapeutic role in student regulation and routine.

• Maintain kitchen cleaning schedules, equipment checks, and hygiene compliance documentation.

Requirements & Skills

• Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering, or City & Guilds equivalent) or strong commercial kitchen experience.

• Current Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering certificate.

• Previous experience cooking in a school, care home, contract catering, or fresh-food commercial environment.

• Solid understanding of the 14 major food allergens, special dietary requirements, and kitchen health and safety protocols.

• A calm, dependable approach and an understanding of working in a school environment supporting pupils with diverse needs.

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one prior to start).

Benefits & What We Offer

• Sociable Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. No evenings, no split shifts, and no weekend work.

• Competitive Permanent Salary: Up to £28,000 per year.

• Autonomy: Freedom to design engaging, nutritious menus within school guidelines.

• Supportive Environment: Work within a dedicated multidisciplinary pastoral and educational staff team in the Ribble Valley.

• Free on-site parking and access to ongoing professional development.

How to Apply

Click apply with an up-to-date CV highlighting your cooking qualifications and catering background. Fast-track interviews and kitchen walk-throughs are available immediately for shortlisted candidates.