Assistant Chef

Maiden Erlegh Trust; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in the United Kingdom seeks a Catering Assistant to support meal preparation and service while ensuring high standards of food safety and hygiene. The candidate will work under the Head Chef, contribute to menu planning, and supervise catering assistants. Aiming to provide a professional service, the role requires an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and experience in a large-scale catering operation. Join a supportive team working to enhance student life and health through quality meals.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave with service increase

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid working options

Wellbeing resources and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience within a large-scale catering operation is required.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.
• Willingness to complete food hygiene training.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals that meet nutritional expectations.
• Support menu planning and food ordering processes.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene and safety.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Ability to supervise staff

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Food hygiene qualification

Job description

This role supports the delivery of a high-quality catering service for students and colleagues across Maiden Erlegh Trust. Working under the direction of the Head Chef, the postholder will contribute to the preparation, cooking and service of nutritious meals, while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen organisation.

The role supports the smooth running of the catering operation through food preparation, service supervision, supply ordering, accurate record keeping and ensuring the kitchen environment remains clean, safe and compliant. The postholder will act as a positive role model for the catering team and contribute to a professional, welcoming and efficient service.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare, cook and serve meals that meet nutritional expectations and maintain consistency in quality.
• Support menu planning, food ordering and temperature control processes.
• Operate and supervise the cashless till system and maintain records of daily takings.

Kitchen Standards and Compliance

• Maintain high standards of personal and kitchen hygiene, ensuring safe preparation and service of food.
• Clean kitchen equipment and premises in line with hygiene regulations and Trust expectations.
• Undertake training required to meet food safety, health and safety and hygiene regulations.

Teamwork and Line Management

• Support the Head Chef in supervising catering assistants and maintaining catering standards.
• Provide clear direction to the catering team to ensure operational efficiency.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative, professional and customer-focused catering environment. Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• Food hygiene qualification, or willingness to complete training.
• Experience within a large-scale catering operation.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Attention to detail and a proactive, adaptable approach.
• Ability to supervise staff and maintain high operational standards.

Approach and Mindset

• Reliable, responsible and committed to high standards.
• Tactful, diplomatic and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills.
• Physically able to undertake kitchen duties (e.g., lifting, working in heat, using cleaning chemicals).

About the School

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students from 11-18 years old, situated in Lower Earley, near Reading. Our students are a delight to work with and relationships between students and staff are extremely positive and constructive. Students are keen to learn, curious, respectful, polite and fun. They rise to challenges positively and enthusiastically and have high expectations of themselves. This is why they achieve such impressive academic and personal successes, and our results continue to improve year on year - this year placing us in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8. We also have a thriving 6^th form and many of our students stay on to study here.

Our staff are dedicated, talented professionals who go the extra mile for the students because they are committed to helping them realise their dreams, achieve the greatest possible success, overcome any personal challenges. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and focused on delivering varied and stimulating lessons. Support staff work tirelessly to ensure the school can provide the best education possible. We have an excellent professional development offering for all of our staff which helps ensure they are satisfied in their work. We seek to develop and motivate our colleagues at every opportunity, and we offer a very warm welcome to all our new team members when they join us.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise - it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust here on our website.

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
• Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
• ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
• Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff. Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.
• Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
• Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
• Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.