Job Vacancy: School Cook

Location: Chesnut Lodge School

Salary: Grade 4, SCP 7–11 (Pro-Rata) FTE - £27,274-£29,071 (Pro Rata - £18,533.22 - £19,754.31)

Contract Terms: Permanent, Term-time only (plus additional training/cleaning days)

Hours: 30 hours per week  

About Us

At Chesnut Lodge School, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where our pupils can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. We firmly believe that healthy, delicious, and nutritious meals are a cornerstone of a successful educational experience.

We work in partnership with Food For Thought Merseyside Ltd., a not-for-profit school meals provider committed to fostering a Good Food Culture. Together, we deliver fresh, high-quality meals cooked from scratch using raw, fresh ingredients following School Food Standards.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate, dedicated, and skilled School Cook / Catering Manager to take overall responsibility for our school’s catering operations. In this role, you will lead our kitchen team, oversee daily meal preparation, ensure high standards of food safety, and deliver a welcoming dining experience for our pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Prepare and cook high-quality, delicious meals using fresh ingredients in accordance with Food For Thought menus and recipes.
• Menu Planning: Follow weekly menus, develop appealing "Chef’s Specials," and cater to diverse dietary, cultural, and religious requirements.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate the kitchen team, supporting their performance and professional development.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure all legal hygiene and safety standards are maintained, keeping the Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) documentation fully up to date.
• Stock & Inventory Management: Manage food ordering through approved suppliers, monitor stock levels, and minimize wastage to maintain cost efficiency.
• Pupil Engagement: Promote healthy eating habits and create a warm, friendly dining environment that encourages pupils to enjoy mealtimes.

Requirements

• Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) and a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene Certification (or willingness to complete). Professional culinary qualifications are desirable.
• Experience: Proven experience as a cook or chef (preferably within a school or childcare setting), with experience managing food inventory and preparing meals for large groups.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, excellent organizational and leadership skills, and a passion for fresh-ingredient cooking.

Chesnut Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Please note: All information must be included within the application form – attached CVs and Personal Statements will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications: 21/09/26 at 12pm

Interviews:  Week beginning  28/09/26

You should note that, if successful, you will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Enhanced DBS check for Regulated Activity.  Further information about DBC can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview.

Halton Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer.