School Cook Catering Officer Chef

Start Date: September 2026.

Hours: Daytime Hours, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only - No evenings or weekends!).

Qualifications Required: Level 3 Food Safety or NVQ equivalent.

We are seeking a creative, motivated, and highly organized School Cook / Catering Officer to operate and develop the catering service at an Alternative Provision school in Barnoldswick (Barlick), Lancashire.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the kitchen workspace, preparing fresh, balanced meals while ensuring absolute compliance with food safety legislation.
• Plan creative, innovative, and nutritious menus that meet dietary guidelines and cater to various dietary requirements.
• Manage daily food preparation and cooking, ensuring the school's reputation for high-quality food is enhanced.
• Maintain the kitchen to the highest standards determined by Food Safety Legislation, performing essential daily maintenance and weekly deep cleans.
• Work efficiently within authorised budget limits and menu costings, managing stock control and recycling wastage effectively.
• Maintaining the security of the kitchen and storerooms. Attend school open days, parent evenings, and support student initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 Food Safety certification or an NVQ equivalent.
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (school, care home, contract catering, or hospitality).

Skills

• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Solid understanding of planning balanced, nutritional menus within a budget.

Driving Licence

A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle with business insurance are required.

Safeguarding & School Culture

We maintain an open, vigilant culture to protect and support our vulnerable young people. The setting operates a strict safe touch, no restraint policy.