Chef The Great Plate
Contract: Permanent | Hours: 5 hrs/day, Mon–Fri | Term time only | Pay: £14.80 per hour | Holiday: 5.6 weeks paid
ABOUT THE GREAT PLATE
At The Great Plate, we provide fresh, nourishing, and delicious meals that support children's health, wellbeing, and learning every day. We're committed to delivering high standards of food quality, hygiene, and service in a positive environment where every child enjoys a great lunchtime experience.
THE ROLE
We're looking for experienced and passionate School Chefs to join our team in permanent positions at two of our wonderful schools in the Stroud area.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in your own school kitchen, becoming a valued part of the school community and cooking fresh meals every day for the children and staff you'll get to know well. You'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, following The Great Plate's menus, systems, and high standards to deliver a safe, efficient, and enjoyable lunchtime service every day.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and cook meals, ensuring consistency, quality, and portion control.
- Deliver our planned menus and recipes to The Great Plate's standards.
- Maintain compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, allergen management, and dietary requirements.
- Keep the kitchen clean, organised, and inspection-ready.
- Monitor and manage stock, ensuring correct ordering, storage, labelling, and stock rotation.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served on time, every day.
- Complete and maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and stock documentation.
- Work closely with the school team to ensure a smooth and positive lunchtime experience.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Experience working in a professional kitchen.
- A genuine enthusiasm for cooking fresh, nutritious food for children.
- Confidence working independently and taking ownership of a busy kitchen.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and safety practices. (Level 2 Food Safety in Catering is desirable, although training will be provided.)
- Excellent organisation and time management skills.
- A reliable, proactive, and positive approach, with pride in maintaining high standards every day.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- An Enhanced DBS check will be required, as this role involves working in a school environment.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
OUR CULTURE
At The Great Plate, we're not just passionate about the food we serve—we're passionate about the people who make it happen.
Our values are built around community, teamwork, integrity, optimism, and respect. We believe in supporting our people, trusting them to do a great job, and creating workplaces where everyone feels valued. When you join The Great Plate, you'll become part of a friendly, supportive team that genuinely cares about making a difference to children's school days, one meal at a time.
Safeguarding Statement:
At The Great Plate, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment practices, including an enhanced DBS check, robust references, and ongoing safeguarding training. We uphold a culture of vigilance, ensuring concerns are reported promptly and handled in line with statutory guidance and organisational policy. The wellbeing and safety of the children we serve is central to everything we do.
Ethical Framework:
We embody consistency, integrity, openness, and humility, creating a respectful, inclusive, and positive workplace, championing trust and employee well-being.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Right to Work in the UK:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required during recruitment.
How We Use Your Data: Personal information provided during recruitment will only be used to progress your application and meet legal requirements. Data will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to [email protected]
Pay: £14.80 per hour
Work Location: In person
