School Chef
SchoolFull-time
About the role
Person Specification – School Chef
| Criteria | Essential | Desirable |
| Qualifications & Training | Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 orequivalent) or willingness to obtain. | Professional Cookery orCatering qualification.Food Hygiene CertificateLevel3.Allergen AwarenessTraining. |
| Experience | Experience of preparing and servingfood in a catering, hospitality, school orsimilar environment.Experience of working to food hygieneand health and safety standards. | Previous experience withina school or educationalsetting.Experience of catering forlarge numbers.Experience of menuplanning and stock control. |
| Knowledge | Knowledge of food safety, hygieneregulations and safe working practices.Understanding of dietary requirements,allergies and food intolerances.Understanding of allergen legislationand the importance of accurate foodlabelling and communication. | Knowledge of currentnutritional guidance forchildren and young people. |
| Skills & Abilities | Ability to prepare and present food to ahigh standard.Ability to follow recipes, menus andinstructions accurately.Ability to maintain accurate food safety,allergen and cleaning records.Good organisational skills and attentionto detail.Ability to work effectively as part of ateam.Good communication and customerservice skills.Ability to prioritise workloads and workeffectively under pressure. | Experience of using cateringcompliance documentationand stock managementsystems.Ability to contribute ideasfor menu development andthemed events. |
| Personal Qualities | Friendly, approachable andprofessional manner.Reliable, punctual and flexible.Demonstrates meticulous attention todetail, particularly in relation to allergenmanagement, dietary requirements andfood safety.Commitment to maintaining highstandards of cleanliness andpresentation.Positive attitude and willingness tosupport colleagues.Commitment to the ethos and values ofthe school. | Enthusiasm for creatingpositive dining experiencesfor pupils.Experience of buildingpositive relationships withpupils, staff and parents. |
| Teamwork | Ability to work collaboratively andcontribute positively to the widercatering team. | Experience of supporting,mentoring or supervisingcolleagues. |
| Child-Centred Approach | Understanding the important rolecatering plays in supporting pupilwellbeing, health and the wider schoolexperience. | Experience of workingdirectly with children andyoung people. |
| Health & Safety | Commitment to following all health andsafety procedures and safe workingpractices.Understanding of safe manual handlingand the safe use of catering equipment. | First Aid qualification. |
| Physical Requirements | Ability to undertake the physicaldemands of the role, including standingfor prolonged periods and lifting orcarrying catering equipment and foodsupplies. | |
| Safeguarding, Equality &Confidentiality | Commitment to safeguarding andpromoting the welfare of children andyoung people.Understanding of GDPR, confidentialityand data protection requirements.Commitment to equality, diversity andinclusion.Willingness to undertake PVG andsafeguarding checks. | Previous safeguardingtraining. |
| Other Requirements | Ability to work flexibly to support schoolevents, including occasional eveningsand weekends. | Full driving licence andaccess to transport. |