Posted On: 08/10/2026
Area: Penrith
Ref Number: OBCC08102026
Contract Type: Temporary
Salary: £13.68
Canteen Cook – Penrith
MasterStaff are currently recruiting an experienced Canteen Cook to join a school catering team based in Penrith, Cumbria.
This is a part-time, temporary opportunity providing cover for a staff absence, with the possibility of an extended assignment depending on the length of the absence. This role is ideal for an experienced cook looking for consistent daytime hours within a school catering environment.
Pay: £13.68 per hour
The Role
As a Canteen Cook, you’ll be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals for pupils and staff while ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of a busy school kitchen.
The kitchen currently produces approximately 137 meals per day, with support from two Kitchen Assistants.
Your duties will include:
- Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff
- Managing the daily preparation and service of approximately 137 meals
- Overseeing and supporting two Kitchen Assistants
- Following planned menus, recipes and dietary requirements
- Ensuring meals are prepared and served on time
- Maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation
- Monitoring food stock levels and assisting with ordering when required
- Ensuring food is stored, prepared and handled safely
- Following food hygiene, allergen management and health and safety procedures
- Completing kitchen records and temperature checks
- Keeping the kitchen clean, tidy and organised
- Working effectively with other members of the catering team
- Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently throughout the school day
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced Canteen Cook who is:
- Experienced in preparing and cooking meals in a busy kitchen environment
- Confident preparing meals for large numbers of people
- Comfortable overseeing and supporting Kitchen Assistants
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene, allergens and safe food handling
- Organised with good time management skills
- Able to follow menus and accommodate dietary requirements
- Experienced within a school, canteen or commercial catering environment
- Comfortable working independently and taking responsibility for daily kitchen operations
- Able to work effectively as part of a team
- Reliable, punctual and hardworking
- Committed to maintaining high standards of food quality and cleanliness
Previous professional cooking or catering experience is essential for this position.
Experience as a Canteen Cook, School Cook, Catering Supervisor, Kitchen Supervisor, Head Cook, School Catering Assistant or Catering Team Leader would be beneficial.
Hours & Location
- Approximately 7:30am – 1:15pm
- 5 hours 45 minutes per day
- Approximately 28.75 hours per week
- Based in Penrith, Cumbria
- Part-time, temporary position
- Covering a staff absence, with the possibility of an extended assignment
- Working within an established school catering environment
Pay & Benefits
- £13.68 per hour
- Consistent daytime working hours
- Early afternoon finishes
- Support from two Kitchen Assistants
- Established school catering environment
- Potential for an extended temporary assignment
- Support from the MasterStaff recruitment team
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced Canteen Cook looking for a part-time temporary opportunity in Penrith, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV or contact the MasterStaff team for more information about this Canteen Cook position in Penrith.
