OR100256 - Cook - Early Years

Pay

PAYE: £15.57 per hour

Job Purpose

To purchase prepare, cook and serve meals, ensuring that all meals are balanced and take account of all ethnic, religious and dietary needs of clients and staff. To provide additional catering when required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Act as key holder, unlocking the nursery in the morning. Switch on all necessary equipment (water boiler, grill light oven, hot plate) and deal appropriately with issues as they arise.
2. Prepare for, cook lunch and prepare sacks within the centre, taking account of dietary, cultural and religious needs. Responsible for clearing away after meals.
3. Order produce to cover the number of meals, with minimal waste and ensure food is consumed within sell-by dates.
4. Maintain hygiene standards and safe practices at all times, including cleaning fridges, freezers and cookers; washing pots and dishes; cleaning work surfaces; following instructions for freezing food; washing floors, shelves and walls.
5. Account for monies spent as required and monitor budgets.
6. Attend meetings with centre managers to discuss menus and plan meals on a weekly basis; input into team meetings and undertake training as required.
7. Ensure that standards and working practices conform to Health & Safety legislation in this area of work.
8. Note: All Camden employees are expected to be flexible in undertaking duties and responsibilities and may be asked to perform other duties that reasonably correspond to the post.

Work Environment

The jobholder needs to be aware of the different dietary needs of clients and staff and how these needs may change. Deadlines are driven by the need not to waste food. Regular inspections and cleaning are required to maintain a hygienic environment and ensure Health and Safety standards. Flexibility is required to address ad hoc needs. The kitchen is busy; it can be noisy and hot and may involve exposure to hazardous cleaning materials. Physical fitness is required to perform duties such as standing for long periods, bending and carrying heavy pots and trays.

Potential hazards include risk of burns, musculoskeletal injuries and exposure to hazardous cleaning materials daily.

Work Dimensions

The role involves weekly menu variation while complying with dietary needs and budget. The jobholder supervises the Kitchen Assistant and maintains a healthy and safe working environment. The jobholder reports to the Head of Centre (or representative) who agrees menus weekly and is responsible for the management and development of the post holder.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Qualifications

Essential:

• Food Hygiene Certificate

Desirable:

Knowledge

Essential:

• Knowledge of food hygiene
• Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and taking appropriate action

Desirable:

Skills and Behaviours

Essential:

• Focus on dietary needs of customers
• Working together and taking responsibility for the working environment to ensure healthy and safe practices
• Proactive budget management while providing varied menus
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to provide catering on a large scale
• Understanding of stock control methods
• Flexible approach to addressing the needs of young children
• Demonstrate Camden Ways of Working (WOW) behaviours: Focuses on customers; Works together; Takes responsibility; Finds better and cheaper ways of doing things

Relevant Experience

Essential:

• Experience of preparing and cooking meals for children and staff reflecting the multi-ethnic community
• Experience of providing a high standard of hygiene
• Experience of day-to-day supervision of kitchen staff
• Experience of working to strict budgets and catering deadlines

If you feel you would be suited to this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please email