Assistant Cook

Job Introduction

Wren’s Nest Primary is a large, vibrant and successful school in the heart of the Black Country, with a growing roll of 540 pupils from 2-11 years old. Rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features (Ofsted, March 2022), we are a dynamic and inclusive school with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for every child. Our staff are highly motivated, our families are supportive, and our beautiful building - including our well‑equipped kitchen - provides an excellent environment in which to work. We are proud of our community, proud of our children, and proud of the high standards we set across all areas of school life.

Over the last year, our catering team has gone from strength to strength. Working closely together, we have developed exciting, high‑quality menus for children, improved our staff food offer, and created a service we are genuinely proud of. Now, we are looking for an Assistant Cook to become part of our team.

Are you ready to take the next step in your catering career? Do you want to work in a school where the catering team is genuinely valued, invested in and celebrated?

At Wren’s Nest Primary School, we are proud to run our own in‑house catering service. This means our team is employed directly by the school and is part of Dudley MBC, giving you the security, benefits and professional standards of local authority employment including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - while still being part of a warm, supportive school community.

Why join us?

• A school where the catering team is recognised as a vital part of our success
• A beautiful, well‑equipped school kitchen
• A supportive Kitchen Manager and leadership team
• Opportunities for training and development
• A role ideal for someone ready to step up into a deputy position

About the role

As our Assistant Cook, you will work under the guidance of our Kitchen Manager and will:

• Assist with the preparation and cooking of meals, including vegetables, salads, main courses, desserts and sauces
• Present and serve food in a friendly, efficient manner
• Support with ordering, receiving and rotating stock
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness
• Complete kitchen documentation such as temperature checks and cleaning schedules
• Deputise for the Kitchen Manager in their absence
• Help set up and clear down the dining hall
• Ensure dietary needs and allergy procedures are followed
• Contribute to the positive, collaborative culture of our catering team

This is a physical, hands‑on role, suited to someone who enjoys being busy, takes pride in their work and thrives in a team environment.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in a large‑scale catering environment (school, factory, restaurant or similar)
• A valid Food Hygiene qualification(training can be provided)
• NVQ/706/1 or equivalent (or willingness to work towards further qualifications)
• Ability to follow recipes, prepare food safely and use catering equipment correctly
• A flexible, positive and proactive approach
• Someone who can work under pressure and use their own initiative
• Commitment to excellent hygiene, safety and safeguarding standards

Come and see us!

Before applying, we warmly invite you to visit our school kitchen. You’ll see our facilities, meet the team and get a feel for the environment you’ll be joining. Please call the school office to book a visit.

How to apply

Please read the job description and person specification carefully. Applications must be submitted via WM Jobs and include a detailed supporting statement addressing the selection criteria.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th June 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 29th June 2026

For any queries, please contact the school on 01384 818515.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

Effective from September 2022, KCSIE states as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out on-line searches, as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This is to determine suitability to work with children and keep them safe. All shortlisted candidates are now subject to an on-line check and if there is anything concerning, then the shortlisted candidate will be asked to comment on it either prior to or at interview.

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.

Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy, online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.

If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk

If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the link below to the WM Jobs Help Page in the first instance; https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/

If the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue, then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.

The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

#LI-DMBC2019