Catering Assistant

Grow and Thrive Limited; Cranham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

School term-time schedule

Fixed-term contract

Job summary

Aspens Services is recruiting a Catering Assistant to support our school kitchen operations in Cranham, Upminster. You will help with basic food preparation and serve students and staff during the lunchtime rush, ensuring courteous service and accurate till handling.

This role runs Monday to Friday, term-time, with a fixed-term contract at 20 hours per week. Training is provided, and a Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification is welcome though not essential. DBS check may be required.

Qualifications

• Team player with ability to work in a busy school catering environment.
• Previous catering or fast-paced service experience is required.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety practices is important.
• Full UK driving licence is desirable.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 is great, training provided if not held.

Responsibilities

• Customer interaction on tills during service with full training.
• Front-line service to students and staff with a friendly approach.
• Assisting the team with basic food preparation.
• Maintaining a safe, clean kitchen environment and Health & Safety compliance.

Skills

Team player

Catering service experience

Health & safety knowledge

Driving licence (UK)

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 (preferred)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Cranham, Upminster

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 fixed-term contract

20 hours per week

38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?

£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.