Head Cook

Are you passionate about creating delicious, nutritious meals? Do you have the leadership skills to run a busy school kitchen? This could be the role for you!

We are currently looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Cook to lead our catering service at our ‘Excellent’ school in Bingley.

About Lady Lane Park School

Lady Lane Park School is a thriving co-educational independent school for pupils aged 2 to 11 years. Rated ‘Excellent’ by the ISI in our latest report, we take our role of educating the next generation very seriously. Our pupils benefit from a broad and varied curriculum and the quality of the teaching leads to excellent academic achievement with outstanding results for children transitioning from Year 6 into their secondary schools of first choice.

Lady Lane isn't just an outstanding place to learn, it's a great place to work too! We aim to encourage intellectual curiosity and productive learning habits in both our students and staff.

About the Position

Contract Type: Part-Time, Term Time

Working Pattern: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm, Term Time

Salary: Based on experience

Start Date: Sep 2025

Your Main Responsibilities will include:

• Planning and preparing creative, balanced menus that meet school nutritional standards and cater for pupils with allergies or specific dietary needs.
• Leading all cooking operations to a consistently high standard.
• Managing, motivating, and supporting the catering team to ensure smooth daily service.
• Ordering ingredients, managing stock, and controlling costs effectively.
• Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with legal requirements.
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety, allergen, and health & safety regulations.
• Managing kitchen paperwork, including cleaning schedules, temperature logs, and allergen records.
• Catering for special school events and functions as required.

About You : We are looking for someone who has:

• A Food Hygiene Certificate and allergy-awareness training (or willingness to complete training).

• Experience of managing a busy kitchen, ideally in a school, nursery, or care environment.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage a small team.
• Creativity in menu planning and the ability to cater for a variety of dietary needs.
• Strong organisational skills and a commitment to high standards.
• The physical fitness and stamina required for working in a busy kitchen.

Why Lady Lane?

• You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives during their crucial developmental years.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment that values your expertise and ideas.
• Ongoing professional development and training to enhance your skills and career prospects.
• Small class sizes.
• Teaching and learning focus.
• Access to excellent resources and facilities to support your teaching and learning strategies.
• Pastoral development
• Bonus offered for our ‘Refer a Friend Scheme’.
• Wellness programme.
• Lunch provided.
• Life Assurance ( 3x Annual Salary)
• Company Pension and Sick Pay

To find out more about this role, please read our Job Description.

If this sounds like the role for you then APPLY TODAY!

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please fill out our Application Form and return this to recruitment@alphaschools.co.uk along with your CV.

Lady Lane Park School and Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, costs are covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.