Assistant Cook

Part of the Unity Schools Partnership

Tel: 01440 333400

Email: hrhelpdesk@unitysp.co.uk

Website: https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/320902NFK

• Salary - NJC Grade 4, SP 7-11, £15,055- £16,047 actual pa £27,273- £29,070 FTE
• Fixed Term until 31 August 2027
• Part Time
• 25 hours per week
• Term Time only
• Required for 1 October 2026

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and reliable Assistant School Cook to join our hardworking team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for our pupils while maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook healthy, balanced meals in line with school menus and nutritional guidelines.
• Ensure high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety are maintained at all times.
• Manage food storage, stock control and ordering.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff as required.
• Comply with all health and safety regulations and food safety procedures.
• Create a positive dining experience for pupils and staff.
• We Are Looking For Someone Who:
• Has experience of catering or cooking in a professional environment.
• Holds a Food Hygiene Certificate (or is willing to obtain one).
• Is organised, reliable and able to work independently.
• Enjoys working with children and contributing to the school community.
• Has a commitment to high standards and excellent customer service.

We Offer:

• A friendly and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Term-time working pattern, supporting work-life balance.
• The chance to make a positive difference to pupils' wellbeing and school experience.

How to apply

A candidate pack is available from ‘Attachments’.

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our careers website to apply.

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Closing date: 11 September 2026, 9am

Interview date: 14 September 2026

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.