Assistant Cook

**About the School**

At Greenbank, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our pupils. Our mission is to foster the academic, physical, and emotional well-being of every pupil. We believe that healthy, nutritious meals are a cornerstone of a successful educational experience. Greenbank Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Check is required from the Disclosure and Barring Service under the rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).

**About the Role**

The governors of Greenbank Primary School are seeking a passionate and dedicated Assistant Cook to support our School Cook in the daily operations of our school kitchen.

The Assistant Cook will work closely with the School Cook to ensure a friendly and delicious food service, a dynamic and happy catering team and be able to step up to cover absences when needed.

This role requires collaboration with Food For Thought and adherence to their guidelines and the values of our school. Our school will endeavour to make every reasonable adjustment to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment appointments for disabled job applicants and continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.

**Personal Qualities**
- Food Safety

Support the School Cook in ensuring all food safety standards are met, including proper storage, handling, and preparation of food items. Maintain up-to-date paperwork as required by law and assist in providing staff training.
- Menu Planning

Follow the Food For Thought weekly menu and recipes. Assist in planning and developing appealing Chef's Specials to support the Food For Thought menu. Consider the dietary needs of pupils, including those with varied cultural and religious backgrounds and special dietary requirements.
- Food Preparation

Support the School Cook in ensuring efficient preparation and service of meals and breaks to the standards set by the school and Food For Thought. Assist in preparing and cooking meals in accordance with established recipes and guidelines provided by Food For Thought, ensuring quality and consistency. Use fresh ingredients in the preparation and planning of meals. Support with the organisation and catering of special functions, some of which may occur outside of normal working hours.
- Ordering and Inventory Management

Assist in managing inventory and ordering food from recommended suppliers. Maintain accurate records and help manage wastage effectively to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
- Collaboration

Work closely with the Food For Thought Area Manager to align food service operations with their guidelines and the school's values. Collaborate with lunchtime support staff to ensure the lunch service is a smooth and enjoyable experience for pupils. Maintain and build relationships at all levels within the school.
- Health and Well-Being

Promote healthy eating habits and nutritional education among pupils and staff.
- Compliance

Adhere to legal standards of hygiene and safety. Ensure the Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) documentation is completed in line with legal requirements and used as a daily working document. Support the School Cook in implementing any changes resulting from routine audits and inspections.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance

Support the maintenance of a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment, including routine cleaning and inspections. Ensure equipment is maintained and repairs are reported to the school and recorded.
- Team Support

Support the School Cook in supervising and training the catering team. Assist in motivating the catering team to deliver the catering service to a high standard. Step up to cover the School Cook during absences.
- Customer Service

Provide friendly and responsive service to pupils, staff, and parents, addressing any concerns or feedback promptly. Help maintain high levels of hot meal uptake through the preparation of delicious food and encouraging service. Make mealtimes a pleasing and pleasant experience for all pupils.
- Values Alignment

Commitment to the values and mission of Greenbank Primary School. Passion for promoting health and well-being through nutritious meals. Dedication to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all pupils.
- General

Maintain high standards of personal hygiene. Ensure uniform is clean and presentable. Attend meetings and training courses as requested. Follow school policies and procedures, demonstrating a keen awareness of safeguarding children and vulnerable people. Implement the principles of the school’s Equal Opportunities Policy while carrying out the above duties.
- **This job description is not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive; it is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing.**_
- **Greenbank is