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Full job description
School Cook
Location: London N1 2QH
Salary: From £17.09 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Contract: Term-time only (36.2 weeks per year: 35 weeks term time + 1.2 weeks inset days)
Start Date: September 2026
About the School
St Paul’s Waldorf School is an independent, non-selective school in Islington educating children aged 3–14 in a historic Grade II* listed building. The school follows a Steiner (Waldorf) approach, focusing on holistic education that nurtures the intellectual, creative, and practical development of each child.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced School Cook to provide a high-quality catering service that supports the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This is an excellent opportunity to join a values-led school community where nutrition, care, and quality food provision are central to school life.
Occasional additional hours may be required to meet the needs of the role.
Key Responsibilities
Catering & Meal Provision
- Plan and deliver varied, nutritious menus in line with school food standards
- Prepare and serve high-quality meals for pupils and staff
- Manage suppliers and support cost-effective purchasing
- Maintain stock levels and minimise food waste
- Cater for dietary requirements and ensure allergen information is clearly communicated
- Maintain consistency and high standards in all food provision
- Communicate effectively with staff regarding menus and dietary needs
Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and report faults promptly
- Support maintenance and repair processes with the Facilities Manager
- Record accidents and incidents as required
- Maintain Safe Food Better Business (SFBB) records and procedures
Team & School Community
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the wider school community
- Attend meetings as required
- Contribute positively to the school’s ethos and values
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Adhere to safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety policies
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Participate in relevant training such as First Aid and safeguarding
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or equivalent)
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Math’s
Experience
- Experience in a busy kitchen or catering environment
- Supervisory or team leadership experience
- Experience in menu planning and stock control
- Experience working in a school or with children (desirable)
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong culinary and food production skills
- Understanding of school catering standards and legislation
- Good organisational and multitasking abilities
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Personal Qualities
- Positive, resilient, and enthusiastic approach
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
- Ability to build positive relationships in a school community
- Respect for confidentiality
- Commitment to the ethos of holistic education
Apply now to join St Paul’s Waldorf School and help provide nourishing meals that support children to thrive.
Relevant experience may include: School Cook, School Chef, Catering Manager (School), Kitchen Manager, Cook (Education Sector), Catering Supervisor.