Catering Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Matters

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Employee Discounts

Cycle to Work

Critical Illness Cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group's Hambrook School in Burgess Hill is seeking a Catering Assistant to support the preparation, service and delivery of healthy school meals. You will work with the Cook/Supervisor to provide a positive lunchtime experience that supports pupils' wellbeing and enjoyment of the school day.

You will follow food safety standards at all times and help with on-site and, where required, for other schools.

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required; interest in helping young people preferred.
• Food hygiene knowledge or training preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow safe practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals, including accommodating special dietary requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across kitchen, equipment and dining areas in line with health and safety regulations.
• Support food preparation and service on site and, where required, for other schools.
• Monitor food supplies, report issues and keep accurate records of meals, cancellations and changes.
• Assist with clearing, washing up and general kitchen duties to ensure efficient service.
• Support lunchtime supervision of pupils, ensuring meals are served and completed safely and hygienically, and report behavioural observations to teaching staff.

Job description

As a Catering Assistant, you'll play an important role in helping pupils thrive by supporting the preparation, service, and delivery of healthy, nutritious school meals. Working alongside the Cook/Supervisor, you'll help create a positive lunchtime experience that supports pupils' wellbeing and enjoyment of the school day. You'll follow food safety standards at all times while embracing the school's relational, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach, contributing to a nurturing environment where education and care work hand in hand.,

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals, including accommodating special dietary requirements
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across the kitchen, equipment and dining areas in line with health and safety regulations
• Support food preparation and service both on site and, where required, for other schools
• Monitor food supplies, report issues, and keep accurate records of meals, cancellations and changes
• Assist with clearing, washing up and general kitchen duties to ensure efficient service
• Support lunchtime supervision of pupils, ensuring meals are served and completed safely and hygienically, and report any behavioural observations to teaching staff. Food hygiene and food safety are preferrable
• A positive, can-do attitude and a genuine interest in supporting young people
• A team player who takes pride in maintaining high standards
• Someone who enjoys a fast-paced, practical role
• Reliability, enthusiasm, and a commitment to safe working practices

Hambrook School is an independent specialist school in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, for pupils aged 5-18 with autism and an EHCP.

Opened in 2023 and rated 'Good' by Ofsted, we provide a structured, safe and nurturing environment. Small classes and highly personalised programmes enable pupils to engage, progress and enjoy learning. Through rich curriculum experiences and bespoke support, we help every young person achieve their full potential. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support