School Chef / Cleaner / Maintenance Operative

Start Date: September 2025

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with occasional weekend and holiday work)

Location: Chard Preparatory School, Chard, Somerset

Salary – subject to experience

About Us:

At Chard Prep School, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. As a small, independent day school, we offer a close-knit community with dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive parents. We are committed to academic excellence, holistic development, and fostering a love for learning in all aspects of school life.

The Role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, flexible, and self-motivated School Chef / Cleaner / Maintenance Operative to join our committed team. This unique and varied role will involve preparing nutritious meals for our pupils and staff, maintaining cleanliness throughout the school premises, and carrying out general maintenance duties to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive individual who enjoys a diverse range of responsibilities and takes pride in contributing to the smooth operation of a school setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious meals daily for students and staff.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen and dining areas, in line with food safety standards.

• Be responsible for meeting EHO inspectors

• Carry out daily cleaning duties across classrooms, corridors, and communal spaces.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks including minor repairs, painting, and general upkeep of school buildings and grounds.

• Ensure all equipment is maintained in good working order and report any faults promptly.

• Support with set-up and clear-up for school events and activities.

• Provide cover and support during school holidays and occasional weekends when required.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a similar multi-functional role (catering, cleaning, maintenance) essential.

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 minimum) essential.

• Knowledge of Health & Safety and COSHH regulations desirable.

• Practical DIY/maintenance skills essential.

• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently essential.

• A flexible, positive, and can-do attitude essential.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills desirable.

• A valid enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one prior to starting) essential.

• First Aid qualification desirable, but not essential.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for training and career growth.

• Supportive Environment: Be part of a warm, friendly school community, with leadership that prioritises wellbeing and positive relationships.

• Small School Feel: Work in a close-knit team where every role is valued and makes a meaningful difference.

• Beautiful Setting: Enjoy a picturesque work environment with excellent on-site facilities.

• Delightful Children: Our students are polite, well-motivated, and a pleasure to work with.

Perks:

• Free wraparound care for staff children.

• Free on-site parking.

• Free school meals.

Please note: Due to this role not being full time / teaching staff, it does not come with any student fee remuneration.

How to Apply:

If you are a hands-on individual with a passion for contributing to the day-to-day life of a school and want to be part of a vibrant and caring team, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining why you are suited for this role to, Rebecca Pielesz, Head of school: headofschool@chardschool.co.uk

Closing Date: 5th May 2025 - 17:00pm

Interviews: Week commencing 12th May 2025

Chard Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a full DBS check and other relevant pre-employment checks.

Chard Prep School Application form – Word 

Chard Prep School Application form – PDF