East Midlands Education Trust
Head Cook
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Permanent, Full-Time (37hrs Per Week), Term-Time Only (39 Weeks)
Hours: 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday
Salary: Scale 4, Point 9 - 12, £27,254 - £28,598 (Actual Salary: £23,704.81 - £24,873.79)
Starting Date: October 2026
At Chellaston Junior School, we know that lunchtime is about so much more than food—it's about bringing our school community together, encouraging healthy habits and putting smiles on children's faces.
We're looking for an enthusiastic, creative and organised Head Cook who loves preparing fresh, nutritious meals that children genuinely enjoy. If you're someone who takes pride in creating colourful, healthy dishes, can make every penny of the budget count and enjoys leading a friendly team, we'd love to hear from you.
You'll Be Someone Who
- Loves creating healthy, tasty and attractive meals for children.
- Enjoys leading a small kitchen team and bringing out the best in others.
- Can plan menus, manage stock and work creatively within a budget.
- Understands the importance of nutrition and special dietary requirements.
- Thrives in a busy environment with plenty of variety.
- Is a genuine team player who enjoys working alongside school staff to make every lunchtime a success.
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In Return You'll Enjoy
- School-friendly working hours.
- A supportive and welcoming team.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing every single day.
- A role where your creativity is encouraged and your contribution is genuinely valued.
Every lunch you serve helps children learn, grow and thrive. If you believe healthy food should be exciting, colourful and delicious, we'd love you to bring your passion to our kitchen.
Come and help us make lunchtime the best part of the school day!
Please make sure you complete the application form fully and explain how you meet the job description within the supporting information section.
On the application form, please focus on a detailed'supporting statement' taking into account the person specification and indicating why you would be the best person for us to recruit to this position.
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If you would like further information and require an informal conversation or visit, please telephone or email our school office via 01332 318799 or admin@chellastonjuniors.org
The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification in order to be offered the post, will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken during the recruitment process and this may include online searches.
We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.
Closing date for applications is 09:00AM on Friday 31st July 2026.
Interviews to be held shortly after closing date.
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