Catering Assistant

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading independent school in England seeks a reliable Catering Assistant for term-time service. The role involves serving meals, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for pupils. Applicants should be able to work under pressure and have good interpersonal skills. This part-time position offers a salary of £5,393 annually, access to school facilities, and a supportive environment focused on children's welfare. Additional hours may be available as needed. Join a dedicated team committed to high-quality service.

Benefits

Free lunch when Dining Hall is operational

Access to swimming pool and gym

Wellbeing app with GP access

Defined contribution pension scheme

Staff fee remission after 3 years

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or food service helpful.
• Positive attitude towards working with children.
• Commitment to maintaining hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve main dishes and desserts during lunch and breakfast.
• Assist with cleaning tasks according to the daily schedule.
• Support the kitchen and serving areas as needed.
• Ensure a safe and pleasant mealtime environment.

Skills

Ability to work calmly under pressure

Good interpersonal skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Job description

Hours and Contract

Hours: 2 hours and 15 minutes per day, 11 hours and 15 minutes per week (35 weeks per year)

• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0476

About Ipswich School

Ipswich School is one of the top 100 schools in the country and a leading independent school in East Anglia. Established prior to 1399 and located at 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, the school caters to about 1,000 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 years. The school operates a 5‑day week during term time, with sports played during the week and on Saturdays.

Our commitment to healthy, high‑quality food is reflected in on‑site preparation and a wide range of menu options, including main dishes, salads, desserts, and fresh fruit. Special dietary needs are accommodated for children with medical or religious requirements.

Role overview

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Catering Assistant (Prep School) to join our dedicated catering team. This key role supports the provision of high‑quality nutritious meals to pupils and ensures that catering facilities are clean, efficient and welcoming.

Responsibilities

• Serve main dishes and desserts during lunch and breakfast periods.
• Assist with loading the dishwasher and performing cleaning tasks in accordance with the daily cleaning schedule.
• Support the prep school kitchen, serving areas, dining halls and dishwasher room as required by the work rota.
• Maintain a safe, hygienic and pleasant mealtime environment for pupils and staff.

Required Attributes

• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to relate well to pupils, staff and visitors.
• Reliability and punctuality.

Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Permanent part‑time post, term‑time only, subject to a 6‑month probationary period.
• Monday to Friday, 11:45 am to 2:00 pm (35 weeks per year).
• Expected to work on the two days prior to the start of the Michaelmas term and on the INSET day (currently February) – staff training days included in term time.
• Additional hours may be required from time to time (with additional pay).
• Annual salary: £5,393 (includes statutory holiday pay). Salary reviewed annually in line with the National Living Wage.
• Annual leave may only be taken outside of Ipswich School term times.
• Monthly salary paid by BACS on the last working day of each month.
• Free lunch available outside of working hours when the Dining Hall is in operation.
• Access to the school swimming pool and fitness gym (subject to rules and regulations).
• Access to Smarthealth, the school’s wellbeing app providing 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
• After 3 months’ service or in line with pension legislation you may join a defined contribution pension scheme and receive 3× death in service cover.
• After 3 years’ service support staff are eligible for staff fee remission.

Safeguarding

Ipswich School 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 past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

How to apply

Download the application form and full job description from our website, or call the HR team or email. Completed application forms must be returned by 12:00 pm on Thursday 20 November 2025. Please mark the envelope “Private and Confidential” and post to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG, or email to the same address.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised promptly after the closing date. If you are not invited to interview, we regret to inform you that the application will have been unsuccessful, but we thank you for your interest.

Closing date

12:00 pm 20 November 2025.