Tell us a little about yourself
I started working for the county council in January 2015. I have always been a keen home cook so when I saw the job for a catering assistant in a school, it fit so well with my family life and enjoying cooking. I had previously worked in catering, but it had not been as I had hoped in that it was ready prepared meals.
When I discovered that the school prepared meals for scratch, it was ideal. Also being able to have the school holidays with my children made life easier, as at the time they were both in primary school.
Why did you choose to work for West Sussex?
I chose to work for the county council because of the benefits, good pension and fair pay. The role at the school made it possible for me to expand my cooking knowledge and skills as it was clear that we would be preparing healthy meals from scratch for the children. Some children never have freshly prepared food so made it appealing to see if I could get them to engage in trying new foods.
Can you tell me a little about your career progression so far?
I started as the 'second' position in the kitchen in 2015. This role was to also to support the supervisor in her role as well as my own. It was 9 years before I took over the supervisors' position when she left. I had covered the supervisors’ role on many occasions so had a great knowledge of the job before I applied to take over.
I had great feedback from the school and their full support when I told them I would be applying to take over. Since taking on the role, I have integrated the kitchen team into the school more working with the themes that they run each term and try to make things that get the children interested in the food they are eating.
What is the best thing about being a cook supervisor?
The best thing about being a cook supervisor is that your views are heard, and recognition is given for achievements within your role.
What do you particularly enjoy about working in the team?
The input that I can give is always heard and taken into consideration and I always feel valued. I enjoy being able to lead my own team within the school.
How does the council, particularly catering, support you to develop and progress?
My previous cook supervisor was great at passing on her knowledge of the job and always made sure I knew what was required if she was away. The county council make sure you do your Level 2 food safety course and COSHH.
Also, my line manager took time to come in and go through all the paperwork side of the job before I started even though I had a good knowledge from the previous supervisor. Our leadership team is always willing to listen and support any development.
Is there a particular case or something about your work here that makes you feel proud?
I always feel proud of my team, especially on challenging days. Working with the speech and language therapist to provide blended meals and working on the menu with them and my leadership team.
We have a great relationship with speech and language staff within the school and work well together. They always listen if we have any issues and always come directly to us if they need any adjustments to a pupil needs.
Is there a challenging part of your job role that you enjoy?
Making the children smile by giving them a healthy meal. Sometimes this is their only meal of the day so if you can provide it with a positive experience, that is worth all the noisy days.
If there is one myth you could bust about cook supervisor, what would it be?
That you must do everything! You have a great team that is willing and able to help and do most of the tasks. Pass on your knowledge and your personal team can flourish.
What would you say to somebody considering joining us?
I would say that providing meals to special needs children is so rewarding. You can make sure that you integrate yourself with your school and join in on theme days, working with school topics and making food that compliments the themes.
The children love these little things, and it doesn't take much effort to achieve. This has been the best thing I have achieved in my role and have had great feedback from my school and now feel as we are part of the school team as well as the West Sussex team. This job is great for Mums, Dads or anyone with a passion for cooking for children.