The Dulwich School Cranbrook
School
Full-time
Chef
Job Description & Person Specification
Various working schedules available (Term Time Only)
+125 ‘spring cleaning’ hours (School holidays)
Immediate start September 2025

Responsible to:

Head Chef (Administration) and Head Chef (Kitchen)

Line manages:

NA

Job Overview

To support the Head Chef (Administration) and Head Chef (Kitchen) and Catering team to
produce menus and refreshments for the School’s many and varied events and functions.

Catering

Duties and
Responsibilities:

  To support the preparation and presentation of food for day pupils, staff,

boarders, match teas, catering, events and functions presenting refreshments
for guests to the highest standard.

  To undertake any training as requested, including but, not limited to Allergen

Awareness, COSHH and Food Safety.

  To support the preparation of any special dietary requirements in a safe and
allergenic free area, whilst maintaining the highest level of food safety when
preparing, handling and cooking allergenic free meals.

  To support the preparation and cooking of any special dietary requests.
  To support the management of the daily requirements to ensure the weekly



catering arrangement sheet is completed.
 To support the Catering Team to ensure that all food is delivered to the
correct area of the School and on time.

  Undertake daily temperature checks on all fridge’s and freezers; record the
information and notify the Head Chef if a fridge exceeds 8 degrees Celsius
and freezer falls below -18 degrees Celsius.

  To undertake cleaning duties such as washing up, sweeping floors etc. as

directed by Head Chef.

  To help serve dishes at lunchtime and for events.
  To prepare and serve tea to Prep and Boarders

Health and Safety

  To support with maintaining our current high standards of catering and food
production and ensure that we comply with all Food Hygiene regulations;
maintain up to date COSHH records and our 5 star “scores on the doors”

  Rotate stock and implement FIFO.
  Label, store and cover food correctly.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

Keys Skills &
Knowledge:

Personal
Competencies &
Qualities:

  Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, and wear appropriate work

wear at all times in the kitchen.

  To support with ensuring all machinery is safe to use and if not, to report
any faults immediately to the Catering Manager; as appropriate and in
conjunction with the Catering & Domestic Services Manager, arrange for the
repair and maintenance of machinery.

  To support with ensuring strict compliance with Health & Safety regulations,
C.O.S.H.H. Regulations and Fire Policy, reporting any hazards that you are
unable to resolve yourself to the Catering & Domestic Services Manager

  To support with ensuring all temperature controls and hazard analysis

procedures are in place and followed correctly and that all temperatures are
recorded correctly (HACCP)

  Ensure the removal of waste food and rubbish at appropriate times to the

designated areas

  To support with ensuring the highest level of cleanliness is maintained in the

kitchen and dining areas

  To support with ensuring that staff under the age of 18 do not use any

dangerous equipment



  Proven experience as a chef or cook, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
  Culinary training or certification preferred.
  Knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene standards
  Understanding of child nutrition and dietary needs.
  Food Safety Certification required (or willingness to obtain).
  An understanding of Health & Safety, HACCP & COSHH Regulations and associated

Codes of Practice

  Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  Demonstrate a positive can-do attitude with a willingness to learn
  Demonstrate a passion for food, with the knowledge and flair for cooking with fresh



seasonal produce.
Is creative in their cooking methods, food production and keeps abreast of current
trends.

  Demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional value of food.
  Has the ability to communicate and work with people at different levels and age



groups
Is highly flexible, with the ability to switch between tasks with ease and a good sense
of humour.

  Good verbal communication, planning & organisational skills.
  Willingness to undertake training, to learn new skills and share their own skills with

the catering team.

  Self-motivated and pro-active. Takes pride in their work.
  Willing and able to seek help and guidance when required.
  Reliable, honest and trustworthy.
  High standard of personal cleanliness & appearance.
  Polite and courteous at all times, being mindful that children and parents are usually

present

Commitment to
Safeguarding and
Welfare

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. At all times the
person in role will:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

  Help to safeguard the children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching

profession.

  Help to provide a safe environment in which the children can learn.
  Help to identify children who may be in need of extra support or who are suffering,

or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

  Promptly raise any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and work

with other services as needed.

  Attend the relevant child safeguarding training and other mandatory induction

training as required by the School.

Promoting the
Health, Safety and
Wellbeing of
Pupils and Staff

At all times the person in role will:

  Maintain awareness of, and comply with, the School’s H&S policy.
  Where appropriate, conduct and document risk assessments in their area of

responsibility.

Probationary
Period

  This role is subject to a probationary period of 12 months from the start of

employment, and may be extended at the School’s discretion.

  Performance and suitability for continued employment will be reviewed throughout

the probationary period.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.  You may also be required to
undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.

Chef - THE DULWICH SCHOOL CRANBROOK | Work In Charities