Catering Manager

Grade / Pay Scale: Grade 3, Point 6

Actual salary £17970.33 pay award pending

Reports to: Head Teacher

Hours: Basic number of hours will be 30 hours per week with ½ break each day.

The hours of duty will be 8am - 2.30pm or 8.30am - 3pm, Monday to Friday, term time only plus 5 INSET/Cleaning days (39 weeks per year)

The ideal candidate will contribute to the success of our school by delivering a first-class catering service for staff and students; providing a daily food offer which is nutritionally balanced and meets all religious and dietary requirements. It is essential that the post holder is able to work as part of a team as well as with a wider range of stakeholders.

Purpose of job:

To undertake the planning, purchasing, preparation, serving of the daily meal and the management of clearing of the school dining hall. To ensure all due diligence checks are adhered to in line with the school policy & procedures.

Main duties and responsibilities:

To ensure that a smooth, seamless service is provided for staff and students to support learning within the school, ensuring that lunch-time is a relaxing and social event for staff and students. To plan a two-weekly rolling menu, ensuring all National School Food Standards are adhered to and dietary requirements are met in line with the school’s Food Policy.

To effectively and efficiently place orders for suppliers to ensure that provision is sufficient to meet requirements and kept within a set budget.

To adhere to all food hygiene regulations relating to the cooking, storage and serving of food. To ensure accurate records are kept.

To have a clear understanding of allergen awareness and the procedures required in recording these in line with the school’s Allergen Policy.

To inspect the hygiene of the kitchen and ensure that cleaning is a high priority.

To organise and record daily cleaning duties and to assist in ensuring that satisfactory levels of cleanliness and hygiene are achieved and maintained.

To understand the principles of HACCP & COSSH regulations and to maintain all relevant logs, records and information as required by the SBM

To manage the School Fruit Scheme, ensuring fruit is received, checked and stored correctly and that there is sufficient for one piece per child per day.

To ensure appropriate records are kept. To manage the milk scheme, ensuring milk is received, checked and stored correctly. To ensure appropriate records are kept.

To provide day-to-day guidance and support to the Catering Assistants within the kitchen, including providing relevant training when necessary.

To report all accidents and spillages to the SBM in line with school policy

To check all kitchen equipment and report faults to the SBM

To report any necessary repairs to the building, furniture, fittings, fixtures and equipment to the SBM

To attend training courses, study days and fire lectures as directed by the SBM

To undertake such other duties appropriate to the post as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the school.

Overtime: By arrangement and consent of the SBM or Headteacher

Confidentiality: All staff are required to respect confidentiality of all matters relating to the school, pupils and staff.

Safeguarding: It is a requirement of this role that the post-holder has satisfactory DBS clearance and two satisfactory references

We can offer you:

A supportive environment working with a small catering team providing service to all members of our school community

An excellent opportunity to develop your own practice

Uniform and lunch provided

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Closing date: Friday 4th September 2026

Interview date: (TBC)

Start date: As soon as possible after interview date

To request an application pack or arrange to visit the school email [email removed]

or please contact the school office by calling [phone removed]

Robert Arkenstall Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment.