School Chef

Overview

32.5 hours per week, term time only plus 3 non-pupil days

7am – 2pm Monday to Friday – 30 minutes unpaid lunch break – flexible hours for the right candidate.

Are you a chef looking for a term time only post in a school. We are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable school chef to join our strong catering team. Our catering requirements are delivered by a dedicated team employed directly by the school. Using your passion for cooking you will be responsible for preparing healthy and well-balanced meals that tastes great and creates a conducive environment for our students to learn and thrive in school.

Key Responsibilities

Preparing Breakfast, Break and Lunch meals for over 1200 students and staff.
Ensure the kitchen and designated areas are kept clean and tidy at all times.
Follow company hygiene standards, including HACCP and COSHH guidelines, to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Prepare well-balanced meals, taking into account dietary needs and allergies.
Assisting with menu sheets and managing stock control.
Perform regular checks on appliances and ensure they are well-maintained.

Requirements

Experience working in a school environment is preferred but not required.
This position is open to candidates with Food Hygiene qualifications (or equivalent).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointments will be subject to references and enhanced DBS checks.

Further information can be found in the information pack or from the school’s website. If you have any additional queries, or you would like to arrange a visit or request an application form, please contact Recruitment by email Recruitment@sandon.essex.sch.uk.

Closing date: Friday 12 December 2025 (Midday).

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and encourage candidates to complete and return applications as soon as possible.

Personal attributes

Job Description

Job Title	SCHOOL CHEF
	Secondary School
Grade	Scale 5 (Points 9-12) £27,254-£28,598 FTE £20,156-£21,150 actual salary
Hours	7am to 2pm term time only – flexible for the right candidate Plus 3 staff training days
Reports to	CATERING MANAGER
Responsible for	Breakfast/Break/Lunchtime provision
Liaison with	Other Catering staff, suppliers
Job Purpose	To assist with the provision of a high-quality food and beverage service.
Duties	To provide assistance with the preparation, cooking and service of food and beverages to the required standard. To follow menu plans agreed with the Catering Manager for mealtimes on the shift you are responsible for (Breakfast/Break/Lunch). To assist the Catering Manager with the preparation of menu plans. To follow the menu and recipes agreed. To occasionally assist with special functions which may be outside of normal working hours. To carry out cleaning duties within the kitchen and dining areas as required. To follow sound hygiene practices. To ensure that health and safety regulations are observed in working practices. To assist with the issue and recording of catering supplies as required. To assist with the operation of control procedures as required. To report immediately any accidents, fire, theft, loss, damage, or unfit food or other irregularities and take such action as may be appropriate or possible. The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade.
General	To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager. To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace. To ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy. The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

General heading	Detail	Examples
Qualifications & Experience	Specific qualifications & experience	Experience of the preparation, cooking and service of food and beverages to the required standard Level 2/3 Food hygiene certificate – or working towards
	Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures	Knowledge of health and safety, and food hygiene regulations Understanding of the operation of a school Ability to maintain a high standard of personal and general cleanliness and hygiene to comply with statutory and school regulations
	Literacy	Good working knowledge and ability to follow menu and recipes agreed
	Numeracy	Ability to count and undertake calculations
	Technology	Ability to use kitchen and cleaning equipment and supervise others when required
Communication	Written	To assist the Catering Manager with the preparation of menu plans, to complete forms as required
	Verbal	Ability to exchange verbal information clearly with children and adults
	Languages	Use initiative to overcome communication barriers with children and adults
	Negotiating	Consult with colleagues
Working with children	Behaviour Management	Understand and implement the school’s behaviour management policy
Working with children	SEN	Understand and support the differences in children and adults and respond appropriately

	Curriculum	Understanding of the learning experience provided by the school
	Child Development	Understanding of the way in which children develop
	Health & Wellbeing	Understand the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing
Working with others	Working with partners	Understand the role of others working in the school
Working with others	Relationships	Ability to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with children, their families and carers and other adults
	Team work	Ability to work effectively with others in the school
	Information	Ability to provide timely and accurate information
Responsibilities	Organisational skills	Good organisational skills
	Line Management	To supervise other kitchen staff during mealtimes
	Time Management	Ability to manage own time effectively
	Creativity	Ability to follow instructions
General	Equalities	Demonstrate a commitment to equality
	Health & Safety	Ability to follow sound hygiene practices
	Child Protection	Understand and implement child protection procedures
	Confidentiality/Data Protection	Understand procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality
	CPD	Be prepared to develop and learn in the role

Salary & Benefits

Salary from £20156 to £21160 per year

Location

The Sandon School
Molrams Lane
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 7AQ

Supporting documents

- Application form Support Staff 2025-2026 download_for_offline
  
  download_for_offlineApplication form Support Staff 2025-2026
- School Chef Jan 2026 download_for_offline
  
  download_for_offlineSchool Chef Jan 2026

Job reference: