School Chef / Kitchen Manager - Alternative Provision (AP)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Sociable daytime hours, no evenings or weekends)

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced Chef or Cook looking for an exceptional work-life balance while making a real, daily impact on young people?

An established Alternative Provision (AP) school in Clitheroe is seeking a dedicated, compassionate School Chef to manage their on-site kitchen on a permanent basis.

In this role, you will take full ownership of preparing wholesome, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for a small, supportive school community. Unlike high-stress commercial kitchens or unsociable shift patterns, this position offers steady 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekday hours, giving you your evenings and weekends back.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious, balanced, fresh meals daily for pupils and staff in line with School Food Standards.

Manage all aspects of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and temperature recording adhering strictly to HACCP guidelines.

Cater safely for diverse dietary needs, food intolerances, and life-threatening allergens with rigorous cross-contamination controls.

Oversee stock control, inventory rotation (FIFO), and placing routine supplier orders within budget.

Foster a welcoming, calm kitchen atmosphere-mealtimes in an AP setting play a vital therapeutic role in student regulation and routine.

Maintain kitchen cleaning schedules, equipment checks, and hygiene compliance documentation.

Requirements & Skills

Professional culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, Catering, or City & Guilds equivalent) or strong commercial kitchen experience.

Current Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering certificate.

Previous experience cooking in a school, care home, contract catering, or fresh-food commercial environment.

Solid understanding of the 14 major food allergens, special dietary requirements, and kitchen health and safety protocols.

A calm, dependable approach and an understanding of working in a school environment supporting pupils with diverse needs.

Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one prior to start).

Benefits & What We Offer

Sociable Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. No evenings, no split shifts, and no weekend work.

Competitive Permanent Salary: Up to £28,000 per year.

Autonomy: Freedom to design engaging, nutritious menus within school guidelines.

Supportive Environment: Work within a dedicated multidisciplinary pastoral and educational staff team in the Ribble Valley.

Free on-site parking and access to ongoing professional development.

How to Apply

Click apply with an up-to-date CV highlighting your cooking qualifications and catering background. Fast-track interviews and kitchen walk-throughs are available immediately for shortlisted candidates