Date: 30 Jun 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing Date: 6 July 2026
Salary: Grade 13, ranging from £13.47 to £14.58 per hour.
This role will be based at Kilve Court, Kilve Bridgwater, TA5 1EA.
Kilve is a residential outdoor education centre providing learning and development experiences for children and young people. The catering team plays a key role in creating a positive, safe and inclusive environment that supports residential stays and activities.
Role Summary
You will prepare and serve nutritious, high‑quality meals for children, young people, and visitors at the Kilve outdoor education centre. The role supports safe, inclusive and welcoming catering services within a busy residential setting, working flexibly to meet the needs of groups on site.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare, cook and present meals that meet a wide range of dietary needs
Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and allergen control
Support menu planning, stock control and ordering to minimise waste
Oversee day‑to‑day kitchen operations, cleaning and equipment care
Provide a friendly and professional service to centre users
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate or equivalent.
Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety regulations and best practice
Understanding of dietary requirements, including allergens, intolerances and special diets
Awareness of nutrition and balanced meal planning for children and young people
Experience working in a commercial or institutional kitchen
Experience preparing meals for large groups, particularly children or young people
Experience working to food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP
Ability to prepare and cook meals to a high standard under time constraints
Strong organisational skills to manage kitchen operations and stock
Good communication skills to work with staff, suppliers and centre users
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
Knowledge of stock control and food ordering processes
Familiarity with sustainability practices in catering, including reducing food waste
Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with children and young people
Experience managing or supporting junior kitchen staff
Experience catering for a wide range of dietary needs
Experience working in an educational or residential setting
Ability to adapt menus and recipes to meet specific dietary requirements
Any Additional Information
The role involves working a flexible rota, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and school holidays, in a physically active kitchen environment.
This role plays a key role in promoting sustainability and reducing food waste.
You will accrue entitlement to paid leave pro-rata to actual hours worked.
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Luke Hoather, Senior Cetnre Manager, Kilve Court at
[email protected]
Please note that this advert may close prior to the stated closing date if a suitable appointment is made.
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
