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Lead Cook - Part-time

Higham Primary School, Nr Rochester

  • Ref:KCC886-2109-132S
  • Posted:23/04/2026
  • Pay:KSC
  • Start Date:Wednesday 1 July
  • App Close Date:11/05/2026 at 09:00
  • Interviews:Monday 18 May

Advert

Lead Cook

Term Time Only
Location: Kent
Contract: 28.5 hours per week x 39 weeks (38 term time weeks and a further week equivalent spread through the academic year).
Working hours: 8.00am – 1.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8.00am – 2.30pm Wednesday

Grade: Kent Scheme KSC

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Lead Cook to lead our school kitchen and provide nutritious, high‑quality meals for approximately 210 pupils.

You will take day‑to‑day responsibility for the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the school kitchen, supported by two kitchen assistants, and play a key role in promoting healthy eating in a positive primary school environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the daily operation of the school kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently and to a high standard
  • Plan and review termly menus in line with School Food Standards, pupil preferences and nutritional guidelines
  • Manage food allergens, maintaining accurate records and ensuring safe preparation and service for pupils with dietary needs
  • Supervise and support two kitchen assistants, allocating duties and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
  • Order food and supplies, carry out stock control, and monitor portion control to support the catering budget
  • Maintain food safety documentation including temperature checks, cleaning records and allergen information
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP, COSHH, Health & Safety and food hygiene legislation
  • Liaise with the School Business Manager, suppliers and Environmental Health Officers as required
  • Contribute to the wider life of the school through themed lunches and a weekly cooking activity with pupils (during school hours)
  • Promote and safeguard the welfare of children in line with school safeguarding policies

What We Offer

  • A supportive school environment with an established kitchen team
  • The opportunity to shape menus and promote healthy eating
  • Term‑time working
  • Training and professional development opportunities

Information about the school

Higham Primary School is a one form entry school with 210 pupils currently on roll. We are located in Higham village, between Gravesend and Rochester.

The school is easily accessible and only 10 minutes walk from Higham Station. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and staff and expect all applicants to share this commitment.

We work together as a team to support all pupils and staff to be successful.

Job Contact Information

  • Name:Kerry Mills
  • Address:Higham Primary School, School Lane, Higham, Nr Rochester, Kent, ME3 7 JL
  • Telephone: 01474 822535
  • Email: finance@higham.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.