Head Cook

Required: February 2026

Actual Salary: £20,064.00 - £22,632.03

Grade: Level 6, SCP 13-20

Hours: 30 hours per week, term time only + 5 non-pupil days

Closing Date: 30th January 2026
 

About the Role

We are excited to invite applications for a Head Cook to lead our friendly, hardworking kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a cheerful, reliable and motivated individual with a genuine passion for creating exciting, nutritious meals and delivering an excellent dining experience for children every day.

The successful candidate will take pride in preparing, cooking and serving freshly made meals in a busy but rewarding environment. You will work alongside an assistant cook and a small team of catering assistants, catering daily for approximately 250–350 meals. Our current menu of healthy, well-balanced meals is popular with pupils and provides a strong foundation to build upon.

We are now seeking someone with the drive, creativity and enthusiasm to continue developing and enhancing our lunchtime provision, ensuring high standards, consistency and a positive mealtime experience for all children.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous catering experience as a chef, ideally within a school, high-volume restaurant or contract catering environment

• Level 3 Chef qualification (HACCP compliant)

• Confidence leading a team in a fast-paced kitchen

• A passion for producing high-quality, nutritious food

• A positive, down-to-earth approach and strong team-working skills

• A current Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene and Allergen certificate

What We Can Offer

• Funding for required training

• Ongoing CPD opportunities

• Refreshments

• Uniform provided

• Term-time only working, supporting a healthy work–life balance

• A friendly, experienced and dedicated team

• A vibrant, welcoming school environment with happy, enthusiastic children

How to Apply

Please contact Kerrie Lawton on 01702 478533 for an application pack, or email education@chalkwellhallinfants.co.uk.

Application packs are also available at www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk – select Apply for this vacancy to download an application form.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

To arrange a visit, please contact Kerrie Lawton using the details above.

For details of current vacancies in local schools and how to apply, visit http://www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/