Catering Assistant

Grow and Thrive Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time work

Fixed-term contract

Job summary

Aspens Services in Colchester is seeking a Catering Assistant to support our school kitchen with basic food preparation and efficient service during lunchtimes. You will handle tills during service with full training, deliver friendly customer service to students and staff, and help maintain a clean, safe kitchen in line with health and safety standards.

This role offers a term-time, Monday to Friday pattern with no late nights or weekends, a fixed three-month contract, and progression through

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or fast-paced service.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification is a plus but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Customer interaction: Working on tills during service with full training provided.
• Front-line service: Providing friendly, polite customer service to students and staff.
• Essential support: Assisting the team with basic food preparation.
• Maintaining standards: Keeping a safe, clean kitchen and meeting health and safety compliance.

Skills

Team player

Fast-paced service

Health and safety basics

Driving licence

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 (preferred)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Colchester

Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen.

Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.

The role:

As a Catering Assistant, you will be a vital part of the team, supporting our kitchen in basic food preparation and delivering excellent service that makes the lunchtime rush run smoothly.

You’ll be making a real difference through responsibilities that include:

Customer Interaction: Working on the tills during service (don’t worry, full training is provided!).

Front-Line Service: Providing friendly, polite customer service to all students and staff.

Essential Support: Assisting the team with basic food preparation

Maintaining Standards: Ensuring a safe, clean kitchen environment and meeting Health and Safety compliance

About you:

We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools.

If you have these skills and qualities, we want to hear from you:

You’re a team player and thrive as part of a busy team

You have previous catering or fast-paced service experience

You have a basic knowledge of health and safety practices

A full UK driving licence

The Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification is great, but not essential as we can provide the training!

Why Join the Aspens Family?

Great Work-Life Balance:

You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!

This is a 3-month fixed-term contract, based around term time

28.75 hours per week

£12.71 per hour

Career Growth and Development:

Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.

Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.