Third Chef

Are you a passionate or aspiring chef looking for a rewarding role in a friendly, supportive team? Do you want a great work-life balance while still doing what you love?

Bedales School in Hampshire is looking for a Third Chef to join our vibrant catering team, creating delicious meals for our students and staff. You’ll work in a professional kitchen alongside experienced chefs, supporting the Second Chef in delivering high-quality meals.

Why Join Us?

• Great Work-Life Balance – Enjoy school holidays off! (Mostly term-time role)
• Competitive Pay – £12.48 per hour (£24,351 annual salary)
• Free Meals – Enjoy breakfast & lunch on us during term time
• Career Development – Opportunities for growth & training
• Fantastic Benefits – Pension, healthcare cash plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive Team – Work with friendly colleagues in a positive environment
• Free On-Site Parking & Uniform Provided

What We’re Looking For:

• Catering Experience – Preferably in a high-volume kitchen
• Passion for Food & Service – Motivated by quality & great customer experience
• Team Player – Friendly, approachable, and reliable
• Flexible & Hardworking – Can work under pressure and adapt when needed
• High Standards – Good personal hygiene and tidy appearance
• An NVQ Level 2 in Catering is preferred but not essential. We would welcome applications from people who are interested in obtaining this qualification with our support

Duties

• Preparing and cooking food items to the specifications determined by the Head Chef:
• Being responsible for the provision of meals of excellent standards whilst working within the constraints of the catering budget and to a minimum wastage policy
• Working to high standards of hygiene and basic food hygiene

Hours of Work

45 hours per week term time, usually 33 weeks per annum, plus an additional 240 hours to be worked over the year normally during half terms for deep cleaning and/or pre and post term. The post will be contracted up to a total of 42 weeks per annum.

Please read the job description and terms and conditions for the post for more details.

This post is Regulated Activity.

How to Apply

To find out more about this opportunity, candidates can contact our Head of Catering for an informal discussion with details of their experience by email to Matt Potts - Head of Catering - mpotts@bedales.org.uk

If you require assistance on this recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01730 711691 or by e-mail to: recruitment@bedales.org.uk 

For further details and to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website: https://www.bedales.org.uk/our-schools/about-bedales/job-vacancies

Suitable candidates will be asked to complete our full application process via our online recruitment portal. In line with the guidance of Keeping Children Safe in Education, CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of an application form.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 31 March 2025.

Application reviews will be ongoing throughout advertising period.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis during the advertising period.

Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK on an ongoing basis at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, and Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to
• Playing a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm
• When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.