Catering Assistant

Palmer & Howells; Greater London; On-site; GBP 12,398,000 - 14,465,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer & Howells in Surrey, United Kingdom, is seeking a dedicated Catering Assistant to join our school kitchen team. You will help prepare and serve freshly made, nutritious meals for pupils and staff, while maintaining a spotless, safe kitchen and complying with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.

Hours are 20 per week across 38.2 weeks per year, at £12.71 per hour. The role offers supportive team environment, training, and opportunities to develop culinary skills within a dynamic

Qualifications

• Versatile, outgoing approach aligned with team values.
• Genuine interest in food preparation and nutritious menus.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety principles; training provided if needed.
• Reliable to work the listed hours and commute to the school location.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with kitchen and school team to prepare and serve high-quality lunches.
• Maintain a spotless, safe kitchen; follow Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.
• Work efficiently to meet service demands during busy lunch periods.
• Prepare and complete food service requirements for school events and occasions.
• Deliver high-quality, fresh food and service to pupils and staff.

Skills

Collaborative

Food preparation

Health & Safety

Flexibility

Education

Food Safety Level 2 certificate

Job description

About Us

At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our staff are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.

The Role

We are looking for a dedicated and energetic Catering Assistant to join our friendly team and help us deliver delicious, nutritious meals to our students and staff every day. This is a chance to be a vital part of the school community!

The Details

Hours: 20 hours per week

Weeks: 38.2 weeks per year

Rate: £12.71 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Instil a strong sense of teamwork by collaborating closely with the kitchen and wider school team to prepare and serve freshly made, high-quality lunches for pupils and staff.
• Maintain a spotless and safe kitchen environment, strictly adhering to all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.
• Work with speed and efficiency to manage the demands and service requirements during busy lunch periods.
• Prepare and complete food service requirements for special school occasions, including meetings, sports days, and other events.
• While your day-to-day tasks may vary slightly, your central goal is unwavering: delivering the highest quality of innovative, fresh, and delicious food and service to our pupils.

What You’ll Need

• A versatile, outgoing, and highly collaborative approach to working that aligns with our positive team values.
• A genuine interest in food preparation and cooking, with a desire to learn and contribute to nutritious menus.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety principles. A Food Safety Level 2 certificate is a bonus, but we will provide training for the right candidate!
• The ability to reliably work the listed hours and easily commute to the school location.

Why Join Us

• Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.
• You will have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses available to everyone.
• Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

Safeguarding Commitment

Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Salary £12.71 per hour

Hourly

Job Reference JGT/TP/76/9105

Contract Type Permanent

Closing Date 23 September, 2026

Job Category Unit Level

Business Unit Palmer & Howells Ltd

Location Surrey, United Kingdom

24 August, 2026