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 maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk 

📍 Location: Stroud & Surrounding Areas
💰 Pay: £12.71 per hour 3 hours a day 2 days a week , term-time only

Join The Great Plate – Where School Lunches Are Made with Love & Care!

Are you a passionate person who believes in the power of good food? Do you want to be part of a team that makes a real difference in children's health and happiness? The Great Plate is looking for a kitchen assistant to help us createdelicious, nourishing school lunches that fuel young minds and bodies.

Why Join Us?

✅ Work-Life Balance: No evenings or weekends – perfect for fitting around family life!
✅ Meaningful Work: Help shape young eaters' relationship with healthy, home-cooked food.
✅ Supportive Team: Work with like-minded food lovers in a positive, collaborative kitchen.

About the Role

As a Kitchen Assistant at The Great Plate, you’ll be an essential part of our mission to provide wholesome, high-quality meals to primary school children. Working alongside our chefs and wider team, you’ll support the preparation, packing, and delivery of meals that avoid ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives—ensuring children receive food that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Your Responsibilities Will Include:
🍽️ Meal Support: Assist with preparing fresh, balanced meals from scratch.
🔪 Prep Work: Help with chopping, portioning, and setting up ingredients.
📦 Packing & Distribution: Support the packing of meals and deliver them to schools (a valid driver’s licence and your own car are required).
🥦 Stock & Ingredients: Assist with stock checks and ensure ingredients are stored correctly.
💡 Teamwork: Work closely with the kitchen team, supporting chefs and colleagues as needed.
🧼 Kitchen Standards: Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety practices (Level 2 Food Hygiene required or willingness to obtain).

Who We’re Looking For:

✅ Professional Kitchen Experience – Whether from a restaurant, café, school, or catering background.
✅ Passionate About Fresh, Healthy Food – You care about what children eat and understand the impact of good nutrition.
✅ A Great Team Player – You can use initiative and follow directions without hesitation.
✅ Reliable & Organised – Able to prep and assist with service efficiently in a busy but rewarding environment.

What We Offer:

🍎 A Role with Purpose – Play a key part in improving school food culture.
📅 School-Friendly Hours – Work only during term time, with your holidays free!
📈 Training & Development – Opportunities to grow and refine your skills.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk 

Apply Now!

If you're a confident, person who thrives on responsibility and wants a role that fits your lifestyle, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making nourishing, homemade school lunches the norm! 🥕🍞✨

If you’re excited about this role and meet the requirements, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today by sending your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit and the questions below answered.

📩 To Apply: maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk

About The Great Plate CIC:

 The Great Plate CIC is dedicated to providing delicious, nourishing meals while promoting community engagement and sustainability. We operate with a mission to offer high-quality food and a welcoming environment for everyone. To learn more about us, visit http://www.thegreatplate.org.uk (http://www.thegreatplate.org.uk)  

Safer Recruitment:

 The Great Plate CIC is committed to safer recruitment practices. All employees will undergo a DBS check to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Please include answers to the following in your application-:

 1. Can you tell us about a time when you worked effectively as part of a team in a kitchen environment? What was your role and how did you contribute to the team's success?

2. How do you ensure that you maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in a kitchen setting? Can you provide an example of when you had to address a cleanliness issue in the kitchen?

3. How do you prioritize tasks and stay organised in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously?

4. How do you ensure that you follow food safety and hygiene standards in your work? Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to address a food safety concern?

5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to learn a new skill or take direction in a kitchen setting? How did you approach the learning process and what was the outcome?

6. How do you handle stressful situations in a kitchen environment? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a challenging situation while working in a kitchen?

7. How do you ensure that kitchen equipment and supplies are properly organised and maintained? Can you give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot an equipment issue in the kitchen?

8. Can you explain why you are enthusiastic about working in a kitchen environment and how this enthusiasm will benefit The Great Plate ?

Join us at The Great Plate CIC and contribute to a meaningful community initiative while gaining valuable kitchen experience!

We look forward to receiving your application!