Catering Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Flexible shifts

Training and development opportunities

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. is seeking reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistants to work on a supply basis across local primary and secondary schools. You will help prepare and serve meals, maintain high cleanliness standards, support the catering team during busy service periods, and follow food hygiene and safeguarding procedures.

Weekly pay and flexible shifts available. Ideal candidates enjoy working in a busy environment, have good communication and teamwork skills, and can adapt to

Qualifications

• Good communication and teamwork skills required.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible in shifts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced school catering environment.
• Experience in catering, hospitality or food service is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and serving of meals across breakfast, break and lunch services.
• Set up dining areas, serving counters and displays.
• Serve food and drinks to pupils, staff and visitors in a friendly manner.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely following training.
• Wash dishes and utensils.
• Clean kitchen surfaces, dining areas and prep zones to high standards.
• Follow food hygiene and health & safety procedures at all times.
• Assist with stock rotation and storage of deliveries.
• Support catering team during busy service periods.
• Follow safeguarding and security procedures in school.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Reliability

Flexibility

Child interaction

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1/2)

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistants to work on a supply basis across local schools. The successful candidate will support the catering team in preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and ensuring pupils receive a positive dining experience.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a busy environment, are passionate about food service, and can adapt quickly to different school settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and serving of breakfast, break-time snacks, and lunchtime meals.
• Set up dining areas, serving counters, and food displays.
• Serve food and drinks to pupils, staff, and visitors in a friendly and professional manner.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and effectively following training.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean kitchen surfaces, dining areas, and food preparation areas to a high standard.
• Follow food hygiene and health & safety procedures at all times.
• Assist with stock rotation and storage of food deliveries.
• Support the catering team during busy service periods.
• Ensure compliance with school safeguarding and security procedures.
• Report any maintenance, food safety, or health and safety concerns to the Catering Manager.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working in catering, hospitality, or food service environments is desirable.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of cleanliness and food hygiene standards.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
• Ability to work with children and young people in a school setting.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Desirable Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or Level 2).
• Previous experience working within a school kitchen or educational setting.
• Knowledge of allergen awareness and dietary requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Friendly and approachable manner.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional and adaptable approach to working in different schools.

What We Offer

• Flexible work to suit your availability.
• Opportunities to work across a variety of primary and secondary schools.
• Weekly pay.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.
• Access to training and development opportunities.

Safeguarding Statement:
The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, and all relevant safeguarding and compliance checks in line with safer recruitment practices.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.