Kitchen Supervisor

Hours: 40 hours per week, 07:00–15:30, Monday–Friday
Working 41 weeks per year, with pay spread across 46.6 weeks
Pay: £13.90 – £15.00 per hour

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Kitchen Supervisor to lead the day‑to‑day running of our school kitchen and food service. You will ensure pupils receive meals that are nutritious, safe, and appropriate for their individual dietary, sensory, and medical needs. This role blends hands‑on kitchen work with operational leadership, supporting a high‑quality catering service that promotes pupils’ health, wellbeing, and independence.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Menu Delivery

• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals that meet school food standards and individual dietary requirements.
• Produce texture‑modified meals (puréed, minced & moist, soft, fork‑mashable) following IDDSI guidelines.
• Adapt recipes to meet allergies, intolerances, cultural needs, medical conditions, and sensory preferences.
• Ensure accurate portion control and nutritional balance across meals and snacks.
• Maintain daily records of meals, dietary adjustments, and any issues.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations including HACCP, allergen control, and safe food handling.
• Maintain a clean, well‑organised kitchen and ensure all equipment is used and maintained safely.
• Oversee temperature checks, cleaning schedules, stock rotation, and waste management.
• Work closely with the school nurse, Speech & Language Therapists, and visiting dieticians to align food provision with health plans and risk assessments.
• Support preparation for external inspections such as Environmental Health and Estyn.

Allergen & Medical Needs Management

• Implement robust allergen‑control procedures, including segregation, cross‑contamination prevention, and accurate labelling.
• Prepare individual meals for pupils with complex dietary needs.
• Attend training on dysphagia, choking risk, and safe feeding where required.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and healthcare professionals to maintain up‑to‑date dietary information.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and support kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of professionalism and practice.
• Plan rotas, allocate daily duties, and oversee staff training and development.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, pupil‑centred working culture.
• Conduct regular supervisions and manage performance in line with school and company policies.
• Manage and support Catering Assistants, ensuring effective teamwork and compliance.

Menu Planning & Procurement

• Design seasonal menus that are nutritious, appealing, and suitable for pupils with sensory or feeding challenges.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food budgets to minimise waste.
• Build positive relationships with suppliers to ensure high‑quality, safe, and traceable ingredients.
• Keep up to date with food trends, nutrition guidance, and best practice in SEN catering.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with teaching and support staff to understand pupil needs and promote positive mealtime routines.
• Communicate clearly with parents around menu changes, dietary needs, and concerns.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings where catering input is required.
• Support school events and activities that require catering.

Additional Information

This role involves some lifting and moving of kitchen equipment, use of domestic cleaning products, and operation of machinery such as ovens and commercial dishwashers.

This job description is not exhaustive; additional duties may be required that are appropriate to the role. The post holder is expected to uphold Salutem’s vision and comply with all relevant policies and procedures. The job description will be reviewed regularly, and you will be consulted about any proposed changes.

Safeguarding Statement

Salutem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employment offers are subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS, in line with our safer recruitment policy.