School Cook Catering Officer Chef

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: Daytime Hours, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only - No evenings or weekends!)

Qualifications Required: Level 3 Food Safety or NVQ equivalent.

Are you a passionate Cook or Chef looking to escape the gruelling evening and weekend hours of commercial kitchens?

We are seeking a creative, motivated, and highly organised School Cook / Catering Officer to operate and develop the catering service at an Alternative Provision school in Barnoldswick (Barlick), Lancashire. The school provides a smaller, nurturing, and flexible environment for secondary-aged pupils who thrive outside of mainstream education.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will take full ownership of the kitchen workspace, preparing fresh, balanced meals while ensuring absolute compliance with food safety legislation.

Menu Planning & Preparation: Plan creative, innovative, and nutritious menus that meet dietary guidelines and cater to various dietary requirements.

Kitchen Operations: Manage daily food preparation and cooking, ensuring the school's reputation for high-quality food is enhanced.

Hygiene & Safety: Maintain the kitchen to the highest standards determined by Food Safety Legislation, performing essential daily maintenance and weekly deep cleans.

Budget & Stock Control: Work efficiently within authorised budget limits and menu costings, managing stock control and recycling wastage effectively.

School Community Support: Maintain the security of the kitchen and storerooms. Attend school open days, parent evenings, and support student initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

What We Are Looking For

Qualifications: Must hold a Level 3 Food Safety certification or an NVQ equivalent.

Experience: Proven experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (school, care home, contract catering, or hospitality).

Skills: Excellent time management, organisational skills, and a solid understanding of planning balanced, nutritional menus within a budget.

Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle with business insurance are required.

Safeguarding & School Culture

We maintain an open, vigilant culture to protect and support our vulnerable young people. The setting operates a strict safe touch, no restraint policy.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your CV, or contact our Lancashire Education Recruitment Team today for a confidential discussion regarding this September 2026 start
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed