Cook for Schools and Care Homes

Pertemps are currently recruiting for experienced Cooks to work across schools and care homes in Edinburgh, supporting essential catering services in a variety of settings.

Role: Cook – Schools & Care Homes
Location: Edinburgh (Various locations)
Hours: Hours vary depending on location and service
Pay Rate: £13.79 per hour
Duration: Temporary ongoing
Start Date: Immediate (subject to PVG clearance)

PVG Requirement
This role requires PVG membership for both children and adults.

• £59 for a new application
• £18 to update an existing certificate

About the Role
We’re looking for reliable and experienced Cooks to support school kitchens and care home catering teams, preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for children, young people and adults in care.
You’ll be working in fast-paced environments where food safety, consistency and care are essential, contributing to services that make a real difference every day.


What You’ll Be Doing

• Preparing and cooking meals in line with set menus, dietary requirements and nutritional guidelines
• Producing meals suitable for both school and care home settings
• Completing food safety documentation including CookSafe, allergen controls and temperature checks
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety
• Receiving, checking and safely storing deliveries with correct stock rotation
• Supporting meal service, presentation and counter set-up
• Assisting with ordering food and kitchen supplies where required
• Carrying out cleaning duties, audits and compliance checks
• Undertaking manual handling tasks and working on your feet for extended periods

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Cook in a school, care home, healthcare or similar catering environment
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen awareness and kitchen health & safety procedures
• Ability to follow set menus, recipes and service specifications
• A flexible and dependable approach, able to adapt to different locations
• Strong communication skills and a professional attitude
• A genuine commitment to delivering high-quality meals in care-focused environments
• A recognised catering or cookery qualification (or working towards one)

If you’re an experienced Cook looking for flexible work in meaningful settings, apply directly via this advert today.