Job Description

Position: School Nutrition & Culinary Associate (Cook 1)

Location: Leith Academy, Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh Council is looking for a dedicated Cook 1 / Catering Assistant to join the team at Leith Academy. This role is essential for providing nutritious, high-quality meals to students and staff. You will work in a fast-paced environment, contributing to both kitchen operations and front-of-house service.

The Role:

Food Prep: Assist in the preparation of a variety of meals and basic food items according to council specifications.
Service: Support counter set-up, food presentation, and the serving of meals to pupils.
Maintenance: Ensure high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety (Cook Safe).
Customer Care: Provide friendly and professional service to the school community.
Operations: Handle cash and operate tills, as well as managing stock and labelling food deliveries.

Requirements:

Experience: Previous catering experience in a school or contract catering environment is preferred.
Knowledge: Basic understanding of food hygiene and Health & Safety practices.
Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills, a “team player” attitude, and the ability to work under tight timescales.
Checks: This post is subject to a PVG Children scheme membership or update.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	City of Edinburgh Council
Location	Leith Academy (20 Academy Park, EH6 8JQ)
Locality	Leith
Country	United Kingdom
City	Edinburgh
Region	Scotland
Job Type	Part-time, Sessional (Permanent)
Salaries	£24,796 – £25,041 (FTE)
Hours	16 hours per week
Contract Duration	38 weeks per year (Term-time)
Benefits	Living Wage employer, Pension, Lifestyle savings

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Food Preparation	Basic / Practical
Customer Service	Excellent
Food Safety (Cook Safe)	Basic Knowledge
Till / Cash Handling	Proficient
Teamwork	Essential
H&S Compliance	Proficient

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Salary Basis	Annual (Min – Max)	Monthly (Approx.)	Notes
Full-Time Equivalent	£24,796 – £25,041	£2,066	Based on a standard 36-hr week
Pro-Rata (16h/38w)	£9,536 – £9,631	£794	Actual take-home before tax

Note: As a sessional role, the annual salary is spread across the year or paid during working weeks. This ensures a steady income even during school holidays.

Job Summary

This is a 16-hour per week sessional role at Leith Academy involving food prep, serving, and cleaning. It is perfectly suited for those seeking a “life-friendly” schedule that aligns with school terms. As part of a local government team, you’ll benefit from a secure contract and the Scottish Local Government Living Wage.

FAQs

What does “38 weeks sessional” mean?

This means you only work during the school term (approximately 38 weeks a year). Your salary is “pro-rata,” meaning it is a proportion of the full-time salary based on your reduced hours and weeks.

Are there opportunities for more hours?

The council occasionally requires staff to cover other units during shortages, which may offer additional temporary hours.

What benefits does the Council offer?

Benefits include the Lothian Pension Fund, “myBenefits” (discounts on shopping, gyms, and travel), and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Is there a specific uniform?

Yes, PPE and catering uniforms are typically provided by Edinburgh Catering Services.

Do I need a degree?

No formal degree is required, though an introductory Food Hygiene certificate is highly beneficial.

Expert Analysis

The City of Edinburgh Council is an accredited Living Wage employer, meaning this role pays significantly better than entry-level retail or private catering. The “sessional” nature is the biggest draw—it offers the ultimate work-life balance for parents or those with other term-time commitments, though applicants should budget for the pro-rata salary adjustments.

Location & Logistics Guide

Leith Academy is located at 20 Academy Park, near the vibrant Leith Links. It is well-served by Lothian Buses (Lines 1, 7, 14, 21, and 25). The school’s non-denominational, community-focused atmosphere makes it a rewarding place to work within the “North East” locality of the city.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leith_Academy

Career Path

Working for the Council opens doors to internal progression. A Cook 1 can advance to Cook 2 (Assistant Cook) or Cook 3 (Unit Manager). With the Council’s focus on professional development, employees are often supported in gaining SVQ qualifications in Professional Cookery or Hospitality Supervision.

To apply for this job please visit uk.talent.com.