Job Description

The School Cook plays a vital role in ensuring all pupils -- including those in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and across both school sites -- are provided with nutritious, balanced, and appealing meals every day.

This role ensures full compliance with:- DfE School Food Standards (2023 update)- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (Section 3 - Welfare Requirements)- Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Environmental Health requirements

The post holder supports CEWE's commitment to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment that promotes physical health, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong healthy habits.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Preparation & Service

Plan and prepare balanced, healthy, and varied menus aligned with DfE School Food Standards and EYFS nutrition guidance. Provide age-appropriate portion sizes for all pupils, including those with SEND, and encourage independence during mealtimes. Prepare and serve hot lunches and healthy snacks for both school sites, ensuring consistency and quality. Maintain accurate records of food quantities, allergens, and special dietary requirements in line with Food Information Regulations (2014). Promote positive attitudes to food through interactive, social mealtimes, linking to the school's PSHE and wellbeing curriculum.

2. Early Years & SEND Focus

Support Early Years practitioners in integrating food and drink routines into the EYFS learning and care framework. Ensure meals for EYFS pupils promote good nutrition, hydration, and the development of self-help skills. Adapt meals to accommodate sensory preferences, dietary plans, and individual needs of SEND pupils.

3. Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety at all times. Ensure the kitchen and dining areas meet Environmental Health (EHO) requirements for a 5-Star Hygiene Rating. Complete daily temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen control records. Follow all Health & Safety, COSHH, and manual handling procedures. Participate in inspections and audits, maintaining readiness for Ofsted and Local Authority reviews.

4. Stock & Resource Management

Order and monitor food supplies, working within an agreed budget. Ensure proper storage and rotation of food stock. Minimise waste by maintaining accurate portion control and stock levels. Liaise with suppliers to ensure quality, traceability, and sustainability of produce.

5. Healthy Schools Rating & Whole-School Approach

Support CEWE's participation in the Healthy Schools Rating Scheme, ensuring menus reflect the school's approach to health and wellbeing. Work collaboratively with staff to promote healthy lifestyle education, integrating cooking, nutrition, and wellbeing into the wider curriculum. Contribute to the school's ongoing targets for achieving and maintaining a Level 5 Food Hygiene Rating.

6. Safeguarding & Welfare

Follow CEWE's safeguarding policy and report any concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Model CEWE's values of Curiosity, Compassion, Connection, and Courage during all interactions with pupils and staff. Ensure all activities comply with health and safety standards and safeguarding expectations.

Person Specification

Essential:

- Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare

- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

- Knowledge of DfE School Food Standards- Understanding of EYFS food and drink requirements

- Reliability, punctuality, and organisation

Desirable:

- Experience in a school or childcare setting

- Level 3 Food Safety qualification

- Experience managing food budgets

- First Aid or Safeguarding Training

- Knowledge of SEND and inclusive catering practices

Appendix: Compliance Framework DfE School Food Standards (2023)

Meals must include at least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables per day. A portion of protein, dairy, and carbohydrates must be included at each lunch. Deep-fried and pastry items limited to twice per week. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times.

EYFS Statutory Framework (Section 3 - Welfare Requirements)

Food and drink must be healthy, balanced, and meet dietary needs. Meals must not contain added salt or excessive sugar. Children must be supported to learn independence at mealtimes. Providers must record allergies and dietary requirements clearly.

Food Standards Agency (FSA) & Hygiene Compliance

All staff must hold a valid Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. Regular temperature and cleaning logs must be maintained. Kitchen inspections and record audits to support Level 5 Hygiene Rating.

Healthy Schools Rating Scheme

CEWE aims to achieve and maintain a Healthy Schools Bronze Rating in 2025, progressing toward Silver by 2026. Menus and mealtime practices align with the school's whole-school wellbeing priorities.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 12.50-14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 - 25 per week

Benefits:

Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Experience:

Food management: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person