Castleview School is a welcoming and inclusive school committed to providing a supportive environment for students and staff. We believe that nutritious, high-quality meals play a vital role in student wellbeing and academic success.

The Role - We are seeking an experienced and motivated School Catering Manager to lead our kitchen operations. You will be responsible for delivering healthy, balanced meals, managing catering staff, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

Key responsibilities include: 1. Operational Management 2. Personnel Management 3. Finance/Administration Management 4. General Management 5. Safeguarding

About the Role - We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Catering Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, efficient catering service within our primary school. This is a key role focused on providing nutritious, balanced meals in line with healthy eating standards and Department for Education (DfE) guidance, supporting the wellbeing of our pupils and staff.

You will oversee all aspects of the school’s catering provision, including menu planning, food preparation, staff management, compliance, and financial control.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Management:

• Plan, prepare, cook, and oversee the presentation and service of meals and snacks
• Design varied, nutritious menus that meet dietary and allergy requirements
• Maintain and manage an up-to-date allergy register for pupils and staff
• Organise staff rotas, delegate tasks, and ensure adequate cover for absences
• Ensure high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness at all times
• Oversee stock control, ordering, deliveries, and storage, ensuring minimal waste
• Monitor kitchen equipment, arrange maintenance, and ensure all safety checks are completed
• Carry out and record temperature checks and inspections as required
• Support school events through themed menus and special catering functions
• Promote the catering service and contribute to a positive dining experience
• Support curriculum-based cooking activities with pupils

People Management:

• Line manage all catering staff, including Lunchtime Controllers
• Lead staff induction, training, development, and performance appraisals
• Maintain staff training and attendance records
• Support recruitment and handle staffing matters, including disciplinary processes where required
• Build positive relationships with staff, pupils, suppliers, and visitors

Financial & Administrative Duties:

• Manage and monitor the catering budget, ensuring a cost-effective service
• Develop and implement a catering service improvement plan with senior leaders
• Source suppliers in line with best value principles
• Oversee pricing structures in line with school policies
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and compliance documentation
• Conduct regular stock takes and manage inventory systems
• Explore opportunities to generate additional income from catering services

General Responsibilities:

• Stay up to date with food safety, catering, and health & safety regulations
• Attend relevant meetings and training sessions
• Undertake first aid training if required
• Develop contingency plans for emergencies such as equipment failure or power outages

About You

• Proven experience in catering management, ideally within a school environment
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergy management
• Experience managing budgets and controlling costs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A passion for delivering healthy, high-quality meals for children

What We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming school environment
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

If you are interested in this position, please refer to the full job description available at https://www.castleview.slough.sch.uk/Our-School/Staff-Vacancies/ where you will
also find an application form. The application form and job description/person specification can also be downloaded below:

APPLICATION FORM
JOB DESCRIPTION/PERSON SPECIFICATION

To apply, complete the application form and return it to recruitment@castleviewprimaryschool.co.uk for consideration.

We warmly welcome school visits—please email recruitment@castleviewprimaryschool.co.uk to arrange a tour. Our children look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Safeguarding Commitment: The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes adhering to safeguarding policies, reporting concerns, and maintaining confidentiality in line with data protection regulations.