Northgate School Academy Trust recognises that a highly effective, inclusive and cohesive staff team results in great pupil outcomes. It also helps make the school a great place to work in. If you have a positive attitude and a desire to continually develop – look no further – this could be a great job for you.

Northgate School  is a successful outstanding special school in Northampton, serving children and young people aged between 11 and 18.  All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school caters for a range of complex needs in particular:

• Moderate learning difficulties
• Autism
• Speech, Language and Communication difficulties

Whilst we recognise that our children and young people have special educational needs we also work hard to recognise and celebrate and build upon their strengths and encourage them to be 'their best self'.

We are currently seeking to recruit a Chef/Cook to work at our Northgate site and The Bee Hive.

We are looking for passionate and resilient individual who will work proactively and who are ambitious for our children and young people to be curious, kind and have a real sense of belonging within our school community.  Someone who is an inspirational, hardworking and enthusiastic person to join our highly motivated 'outstanding' team.

In particular, we are looking for someone who:

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

The candidate must be a strong, experienced Chef/Cook who is able to support the Chef Manager with the daily production of school meals and food preparation for the on-site café. The successful candidate must be able to deputise in the absence of the Chef Manager. The candidate must be willing to welcome students into the kitchen environment and assist with their training, supporting job coaches to enhance their learning experience.

CHEF CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     To prepare, cook and serve food to meet the specifications as defined by the school. To include meeting the meal requirements of the staff and students, preparation of food for the on-site café and any function catering required.

2       Provide training and advice to students.

3.     To assist in supervising Catering Assistants, ensuring that the agreed standards and targets are maintained.

4.     To meet all statutory requirements for Ofsted and Local Authority Hygiene inspections and Food Standards Agency.

5.     To promote and participate in an alert and positive approach to Health and Safety in the delivery of all Northgate School Arts College Academy Trusts catering operations.

6.     Promote effective waste management within the dining room and kitchen.

7.     To keep abreast of new initiatives, systems and regulations through regular training.

STAFF SUPERVISION

1.     To assist in supervising Catering Assistants and Lunchtime Supervisors, ensuring that the agreed standards and targets are maintained.

2.     Assist with appropriate on site basic training when required and to ensure staff are motivated and developed to their full potential.

3.     Ensure that all service staff have full knowledge of dishes regarding ingredients, cooking methods, correct portion sizes and selling prices.

4.     Supervise and assist with cleaning duties as required by the Chef Manager including general washing up and clearing away.

ADMINISTRATION

1.     Assist and implement the departmental Food Safety Manual, including HACCP.

2.     Ensure the Schools Health & Safety policy and all relevant Health & Safety legislation is applied effectively to all activities undertaken by members of the Catering Department.

3.     Monitor, organise and maintain appropriate stock control levels in all areas including records of monthly stocktaking.

CUSTOMER CARE

1.     Ensure the effective promotion of the service, including new initiatives through marketing techniques in accordance with the school’s policies.

2.     Provide a daily meal service supplying breakfasts, snacks, midday meals and drinks, as required.

3.     Present demonstrations and food tasting sessions at Open Evenings/Open Events.

4.     Ensure constructive and effective communication with the school at all times.

OTHER

1.     Deputising for the Chef Manager in their absence.

2.     Ensure efficient delivery of any other task reasonably requested by the Chef Manager.

In the first instance we are looking for someone who is personable, compassionate and can deliver an 'outstanding' service with a smile.  

In return, we offer:

• A friendly and inclusive working environment and the chance to be part of a fantastic team who work hard and support each other
  
• Children and young people who are keen to learn
  
• A school determined to support wellbeing and work-life balance
  
• High quality continual professional development
  

Benefits:         

Sick Pay

Support staff pension scheme available

Free on-site car parking

Regular training and development, team and wellbeing sessions

Employee Assistance Programme (Relate)

What next? If you are interested in the position, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of School, Mrs Francesca Shears or  via email: l.collins@northgateacademy.org.uk to find out more about this great opportunity.

Northgate School Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff to share this commitment.  We will ensure that our recruitment and selection process reflects this commitment.

The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance, medical clearance and references that are satisfactory to the school.

Closing date for applications: 23 January 2026

Interviews: Subject to confirmation

Start date: To be confirmed

Salary range:  NJC Pay Scale, Points 8-12