Catering Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Chipping Ongar; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employee wellbeing

Training & professional development

Supportive staff team

Job summary

High Ongar Primary School, part of Bridge Academy Trust, is seeking a reliable Catering Assistant to join the lunchtime team. You will collect meals from a partner school, prepare the dining hall for service, and serve pupils while maintaining high standards of hygiene.

This role suits someone who enjoys teamwork, takes pride in service to children and is committed to supporting a positive lunchtime experience. A full UK driving licence is desirable, and training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Reliable, organised and able to work independently.
• Positive, friendly and professional manner.
• Enjoys working with children and creating a positive lunchtime experience.
• Maintains high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food presentation.
• Capable of working efficiently in a busy environment and staying calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Collect meals from a partner school and prepare the dining hall for service.
• Serve meals to pupils and support lunchtime routine.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene in the dining area.

Skills

Reliability

Organisational skills

Positive manner

Teamwork

Communication skills

Willingness to train

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

About the role:

High Ongar Primary School is a welcoming and ambitious village school where children and staff flourish. We are committed to ensuring every child achieves their full potential academically, socially and emotionally, while developing the confidence and aspirations needed for future success. Our values of kindness, resilience and respect are at the heart of everything we do and shape the caring, inclusive culture of our school. Set in the beautiful rural village of High Ongar, we offer a rich and engaging curriculum within a supportive environment where colleagues work closely together, share expertise and embrace high-quality professional development. We are proud of our strong sense of community and our commitment to helping both children and staff thrive.

About the Role:

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our friendly team. This is a key role within our school community, helping to ensure that pupils enjoy a positive lunchtime experience each day. Working during the lunchtime period, you will be responsible for collecting meals from a partner school, preparing the dining hall for service, serving meals to pupils and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness. You will play an important part in creating a welcoming dining environment, supporting pupils during lunchtime and ensuring the hall is ready for learning to resume each afternoon. This role would suit someone who enjoys working as part of a team, takes pride in their work and is committed to providing excellent service for children.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is reliable, organised and able to work independently.
• Has a positive, friendly and professional manner.
• Enjoys working with children and understands the importance of creating a positive lunchtime experience.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food presentation.
• Can work efficiently in a busy environment and remain calm under pressure.
• Has good communication and teamwork skills.
• Is willing to undertake relevant training, including food hygiene training if required.
• Holds a full UK driving licence. Previous experience in catering, hospitality or a school environment would be desirable, although full training will be provided for the right candidate.

What the school offers its staff

What we offer

• A welcoming and supportive staff team.
• Friendly, well-mannered children who are proud of their school.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Access to a comprehensive employee wellbeing programme.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the daily experience of our pupils.

Commitment to safeguarding

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.