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Cook
Job Posted: 20 hours ago
Salary: £ Competitive
Job Type: Permanent
Location: SL6 4QQ
Expire in: a month
Job Description
Join Our Vibrant School Community as a School Cook – create healthy, exciting menus for bright young minds while enjoying work-life balance in a supportive team in Maidenhead.
Cook
Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4QQ
* 30 hours per week, Monday – Friday (termtime + inset days + some holiday / event hours)
* Permanent position, term time only
* Competitive salary based on experience
Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK
Claires Court is a thriving, all-through independent school with a distinctive diamond structure, educating boys and girls aged 2 to 18. Known for our strong ethos and inclusive values, we provide a well-rounded education that supports personal development, academic achievement, and life skills. Our Claires Court Essentials and Key Values help to nurture confident, self-aware, and motivated learners who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced School Cook to lead and support the daily catering service at our Junior School site in Maidenhead. You'll be responsible for preparing nutritious meals for around 220 pupils and 50 staff, maintaining high hygiene standards, and bringing fresh ideas to continuously innovate our food offering.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead daily cooking and food preparation to the highest standards
* Plan and deliver healthy, balanced menus that reflect dietary needs and trends
* Manage ordering, stock control and food safety compliance
* Supervise and coach catering staff, ensuring effective teamwork
* Maintain excellent hygiene and cleanliness throughout the kitchen and dining areas
* Collaborate with Marketing and Events teams to cater for school functions
* Support event catering (parents’ evenings, match teas, INSET days, holiday clubs)
* Ensure all food labeling, allergen, and health & safety regulations are strictly followed
* Foster a welcoming, efficient dining experience for pupils, staff and visitors
Benefits:
* Term-time working with holidays off
* Onsite parking and school meal provided during term
* Opportunities for professional development and training
* A collaborative and inclusive working culture
* Access to exciting school events and celebrations
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be a motivated and creative catering professional with a passion for school food and child nutrition. With a keen eye for detail and commitment to high standards, you’ll enjoy working in a dynamic environment and contributing to school life. About you:
* Previous experience in catering, ideally in education or healthcare
* Strong understanding of food safety and allergen regulations
* Knowledge of HACCP and Safer Food, Better Business practices
* Confident menu planner with a flair for nutritious, child-friendly meals
* Team leadership and communication skills
* Flexibility to support occasional evening/weekend events
* Own transport due to potential work across sites
If you’re ready to take the next step in your catering career, we’d love to hear from you!
How to apply for the role:
If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents.
Closing Date: 11th August 2025, 8am
You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
It is the policy of Claires Court Schools to ensure equality of opportunity for all members of staff, both teaching and non-teaching.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to an assessment of their ability to perform the duties of the post applied for, candidates invited to attend for interview should expect further discussion relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS
In accordance with our Recruitment of Ex-offenders Policy, you are advised that all posts within the School will have the opportunity for unsupervised contact with children and therefore all shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a selfdeclaration form to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). This is regardless of whether any such convictions, caution, reprimand or final warning is considered ‘spent’ or ‘unspent’.
The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are “protected” and not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us: this will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offence(s).
Other suitable skills and experience include School Chef, Catering Supervisor, Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Chef de Partie, Nursery Cook, Contract Catering Cook, Healthcare Chef, Cook in Charge, Lead School CatererBefore You Apply
Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:
- Bank details.
- National Insurance number.
- Date of birth.
You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.
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