Head of Kitchen - Dodworth St John
Salary details: Grade 6 SCP 12 -18
Hours per week: 25
Weeks: Term time + 10 days.
Contract term: Permanent
Start date: 1st September 2026
Enhance Academy Trust and the Governing body of Dodworth St John are seeking a dedicated and imaginative Head of Kitchen to join our team, to lead and coordinate the school’s catering operations.
In this vital role, you will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils, staff, and visitors, ensuring they meet standards of quality, timeliness, and budget. You will oversee all aspects of kitchen management, including menu development, food preparation, and compliance with food hygiene regulations. You will be supported by a team of Catering Assistants to help maintain a safe, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment.
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Experience of cooking for large groups of people or in a school environment
- Knowledge of environment health record keeping requirements
- Experience of preparing meals for those with special dietary needs
- Experience of working with children
- The ability to work independently
- Can ensure training, development and management of the catering team
- A strong understanding of all Food Hygiene / Health and Safety procedures
- Willing to be involved in school activities
- Embrace new ideas and processes
- Positive and approachable manner
In return we can offer you:
- Enthusiastic, well-behaved children who are eager to learn and succeed
- Highly committed, enthusiastic and professional staff
- Dedicated Governors and supportive parents who care passionately about the school
- A happy and welcoming environment
Why join Enhance Academy Trust?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an outstanding team within a successful and forward-looking academy trust with exciting career prospects for successful applicants.
As a Trust, we have developed a range of employee benefits. Here are just a few examples:
- Membership to either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Physical and mental health support from a team of experienced nurses, counsellors, therapists, physiotherapists, consultants plus NHS GPs and private medical services.
- GP consultations with experienced NHS doctors are available for our employees and members of their household, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and prescriptions (which have to paid for) can be delivered to local chemists.
- Free annual flu jab
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings
- A paid annual Wellbeing Day – a time for you to use the day for an activity which promotes your own individual health and wellbeing.
- Wherever possible, PPA at home for teachers.
Visits to the school are welcomed and can be arranged by contacting the headteacher Lee Spencer on 01226 206422.
Closing Date: 11th July 2026
Applications for the post can be made using the following link: Recruitment
This post is covered by the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 and 2018 regulations. The preferred candidate for this post will therefore be required to complete a self-disclosure form.
Please note for this post you will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
In line with KCSIE 2025 and guidance from The Safer Recruitment Consortium, shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search.
Personal e-mail addresses i.e. Hotmail; Gmail; even if from a former manager/employer are not acceptable. Applicants must provide a business e-mail address for referees.
St Mary’s Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people and expects all staff / volunteers to share this commitment.
To view our Safeguarding and Child protection policy please see the school website
To view our Recruitment of Ex-Offenders policy please click on the following link -https://documents.stmarysacademytrust.co.uk/policies/Recruitment%20of%20Ex-Offenders%20Policy.pdf
Pay: £17,268.87-£19,043.58 per year
Work Location: In person
