School Chef
Hurlingham Prep School, Putney | Lexington Independents
Great food. Happy pupils. A better work-life balance.
Location: Hurlingham Prep School, Putney, LondonContract: Permanent | Term-time only – 34 weeks per yearSalary: Competitive, pro rata, paid in 12 equal monthly instalmentsWorking hours: Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmedReporting to: Chef Manager
About the opportunity
Are you a passionate chef who loves fresh food, takes pride in quality and enjoys being part of a supportive team?
Lexington Independents is looking for an enthusiastic and reliable School Chef to join our catering team at Hurlingham Prep School, a leading independent preparatory school in Putney.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a food-focused environment where creativity, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do.
At Hurlingham, we are proud to deliver a fully ultra-processed-food-free menu, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, homemade dishes, nutritious meals and familiar favourites that pupils genuinely enjoy.
Working alongside our Chef Manager, Assistant Chef and wider catering team, you'll help create a positive dining experience for pupils and staff every day.
And with just 34 working weeks per year, you'll enjoy a rewarding kitchen career with the benefit of school holidays.
What you'll be doing
Fresh food and great cooking
Prepare, cook and present delicious, nutritious meals using fresh, quality ingredients.
Deliver consistently high standards of flavour, presentation and food quality.
Support our commitment to homemade cooking and our ultra-processed-food-free menu.
Help deliver balanced, varied menus that combine traditional favourites with exciting new dishes.
Follow agreed recipes, portion standards and production schedules to ensure consistency.
Contribute ideas for menu development, seasonal dishes and continuous improvement.
Teamwork and daily operations
Work closely with the Chef Manager and Assistant Chef to deliver a smooth, well-organised kitchen operation.
Take a hands-on approach to food preparation, cooking, service and kitchen duties.
Support colleagues during busy periods, encouraging a positive, respectful and collaborative working environment.
Assist with stock rotation, food storage, portion control and reducing food waste.
Take responsibility for assigned tasks and maintain excellent standards throughout the day.
Pupil engagement and food service
Play an active role in serving pupils and staff, providing a friendly, welcoming and professional experience.
Present food attractively and encourage pupils to explore and enjoy a balanced range of dishes.
Understand the importance of age-appropriate portions, familiar choices and positive food experiences.
Listen to pupil feedback and work with the team to continually improve the dining experience.
Allergies and special dietary requirements
Work alongside the Chef Manager and Assistant Chef to ensure pupils with allergies and special dietary requirements are catered for safely and appropriately.
Follow all agreed allergy management procedures, including correct preparation, identification, labelling, verification and service.
Maintain clear communication with the kitchen and service team regarding individual dietary requirements.
Prevent allergen cross-contact through safe food handling, storage and preparation practices.
Ensure meals for pupils with allergies are checked and verified in accordance with established procedures before service.
Escalate any uncertainty or concern immediately. Pupil safety must always come first.
Food safety and compliance
Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness and personal presentation.
Follow all food safety, HACCP, health and safety and COSHH procedures.
Complete accurate daily food safety records, including temperature monitoring, cleaning schedules and relevant checks.
Follow company policies, safe working practices and safeguarding requirements.
Support the Chef Manager in…