Jobs

Permenant, part time required from 1 Septmeber 2026
32.5 hrs per week.

The Governors of Evergreen Primary School are delighted to invite applications for a passionate, creative and dedicated Cook to join our exceptional team in our Newton Aycliffe site. 

Evergreen is a thriving, nurturing specialist setting with 212 wonderful pupils with a range of Complex Needs, including SLD, ASC and PMLD. Many of our pupils have additional co-occurring needs such as ADHD over our two sites. Our curriculum is highly personalised and adapted. It is designed to meet each child’s unique learning profile and help them achieve meaningful progress.

Why Join Evergreen?
At Evergreen, you will be part of a supportive, collaborative and caring school community. Staff wellbeing and professional growth matter to us.

You will benefit from:
• Strong, experienced leadership that values and listens to its staff
• A friendly, skilled and enthusiastic team of teachers, support staff and therapists
• A school culture built on kindness, respect, creativity and resilience
• Relevant training

The successful candidate will be assigned to work in our Newton Aycliffe site under the supervision of Evergreen’s Catering Manager who will be based at Bishop Auckland site.

This position is paid whole time with retainer adjustments applied to periods of school closure.  You will not be required to work during the school closure periods, however, your salary in these periods will be adjusted accordingly in line with the retainer regulations as specified in the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities
Meal planning and provision
• Provide high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards
• Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance
• Negotiate best-value contracts with authorised suppliers to ensure the cost effectiveness of the catering service
• Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess supply and adhere to the catering budget
• Cater to special dietary requirements and ensure that allergy information is effectively communicated and labelled

Staff management
• Supervise catering staff to ensure efficiency and high-quality food provision
• Prepare and manage the duty rota, delegate tasks appropriately to staff, and ensure the smooth running of the team 
• Carry out performance management duties and make sure all staff in the team have relevant, required training
• Promote morale and wellbeing among the catering staff 

Health and safety
• Ensure compliance with school catering standards legislation and the school’s food safety policy, health and safety policy, and allergens policy 
• Ensure that the kitchen and dining area are kept clean and hygienic
• Ensure that kitchen equipment is used safely and according to operating manuals
• Ensure that kitchen and catering equipment is maintained according to the maintenance schedule
• Arrange for all necessary repairs to be carried out to ensure the safe running of kitchen equipment and remove any faulty equipment pending repairs. Where repair or replacement exceeds the agreed budget, discuss this with school business manager
• Ensure that catering staff are adhering to proper hygiene procedures, including wearing the correct uniform
• Record all accidents and incidents

Safeguarding 
• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies 
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

This position is paid whole time with retainer adjustments applied to periods of school closure.  You will not be required to work during the school closure periods however your salary in these periods will be adjusted accordingly in line with the retainer regulations as specified in the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreement.

Durham County Council is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online.

As part of our due diligence and to comply with our obligations in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search of publicly available information will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to provide an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.  In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

Application forms should be returned to the school.  
Closing date:  06/07/2026
Interview date:  to be confirmed

Evergreen Primary School 
Warwick Road
Bishop Auckland
Co Durham 
DL14 6LS
Scholars Path
Newton Aycliffe
Co Durham 
DL5 7HB
Tel:  01388 459721
Email:  evergreen@durhamlearning.net
Website:  Evergreenprimary.co.uk

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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £24,796 - £25,185 pro rata

Location: Newton Aycliffe, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant