Are you considering a career that makes a difference? School catering offers a unique opportunity to nourish young minds and contribute to a vibrant school environment. From primary schools to secondary institutions, a range of roles awaits individuals like you. Read our latest blog to discover Pineapple Recruitment‘s 4 key school catering jobs.
Why Choose School Catering?
Working in school catering isn’t just about preparing meals; it’s about being part of a community. You’ll play a vital role in the daily lives of children, ensuring they receive nutritious food that fuels their learning and growth.
In addition to contributing to student well-being, school catering offers a stable work-life balance, making it an attractive option for many.
Types of School Catering Jobs
If you’re considering a career in school catering, it’s essential to understand the roles available and the environments in which you can work. From supporting daily meal service to leading a full kitchen operation, school catering offers various opportunities to suit different skill sets and career aspirations.
In this section, we explore four types of school catering jobs, explaining the responsibilities associated with each.
1. Catering Assistant
Assist the Chefs in preparing and serving food, setting up dining areas, and providing excellent customer service.
2. Chef/Cook
Prepare and serve meals, ensuring nutritional needs and food safety are met.
3. Chef Manager
Lead a team of staff, manage stock and menu planning, and ensure exceptional food is served in the school kitchen.
4. Relief Chef Manager
Temporary cover Chef Managers in schools within your area and provide kitchen team management and support
Job Description and Requirements
Securing a role in school catering involves a blend of practical skills, professional qualifications, and personal attributes.
While specific requirements can vary between schools and catering providers, there are common expectations for those looking to join this vital sector.
General Job Description & Responsibilities
Roles focus on providing nutritious, appealing, and safe food to students and staff.
Key duties include food preparation and cooking (often in bulk and to dietary guidelines), efficient food service (sometimes using cashless systems), maintaining impeccable hygiene and cleanliness (adhering to safety regulations), stock management (including ordering and budgeting for Chefs), offering excellent customer service, and working effectively as part of a team.
Qualifications and Experience
To excel in school catering, candidates are generally expected to possess a combination of essential qualifications.
This includes a Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, with a Level 3 often required for Chef Managers. Beneficial culinary qualifications, such as Level 1 or 2 Certificates in Food Preparation and Cooking, are also highly valued, especially for cooks and managers.
Prior food service experience is crucial, and for Chef roles, this extends to proven experience in team leadership, menu planning, and financial management.
Additionally, candidates should have basic numeracy and literacy skills and undergo mandatory safeguarding training with an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, given the nature of working with children.
Ready to make a difference in the school catering service?
A School Catering job offers a rewarding career where you can positively impact young lives. Roles vary from Assistant to Manager, whether in a kitchen or with a catering service provider.
Pineapple Recruitment connects talented individuals with their ideal roles in this sector, matching countless candidates with their dream jobs, from chefs to directors and everything in between. If you are ready for a fulfilling career in catering, your next role could be just a click away!
How can Pineapple Recruitment help you get a job in school catering?
Pineapple Recruitment specialises in connecting talented individuals with fulfilling roles within the school catering sector. We understand the unique demands and rewarding aspects of working in a school kitchen environment, from providing nutritious meals to fostering a positive dining experience for students. By partnering with Pineapple Recruitment, you gain access to a network of schools actively seeking skilled catering staff, including cooks, kitchen assistants, and catering managers.
We can help you highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, guide you through the application process, and ultimately, secure a position that aligns with your skills and career aspirations in school catering.
Connect with us on LinkedIn for all the latest news for School Catering Jobs.
