Catering Assistant

Penny Field School; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension scheme

Job summary

Wellspring Academy Trust is seeking a friendly Catering Assistant for Penny Field Special School in Leeds. You will support the kitchen team to prepare meals, serve students, and maintain a clean, safe dining environment.

The role requires a positive attitude, basic literacy, and a willingness to train to achieve a Food Safety Level 2 certificate. Collaborative teamwork and a commitment to safeguarding are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Able to work collaboratively with Kitchen and school staff.
• Willing to learn and follow Trust guidelines and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and serving meals.
• Set up counters and dining area before service.
• Serve students and staff with friendly, efficient service.
• Wash up and clean work areas to maintain hygiene.
• Unpack deliveries and rotate stock safely.
• Operate basic kitchen equipment and tills as needed.
• Close down counters and dining area after service.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Food Safety Level 2 certificate

Job description

Join Our Team

We are looking for a friendly and reliable Catering Assistant to join our kitchen team at Penny Field Special School, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4QD

At Wellspring, we know that good food helps children learn and thrive. If you care about food safety, enjoy working in a busy team, and take pride in serving healthy meals to young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Catering Assistant, you will help our kitchen run smoothly every day. Working with the Catering Lead, you will help prepare food, set up serving counters, serve meals, and keep the kitchen clean and safe.

Key Responsibilities

• Help prepare fresh food and serve meals using our planned menus.
• Set up the food counters, servery equipment, and dining hall before lunchtime.
• Serve students and staff quickly and warmly with great customer service.
• Wash up plates, pots, and utensils, and keep work areas clean and tidy.
• Unpack food deliveries and store items away safely using correct stock rotation.
• Use basic kitchen equipment and digital tills where needed.
• Clear away the food counters, servery equipment, and dining hall equipment after lunchtime.

Health & Safety

• Follow all Trust food safety rules and standard operating guidelines at all times.
• Take extra care with food allergens and prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen.
• Keep all equipment and work surfaces clean, safe, and clear of hazards.
• Follow safety rules when using kitchen cleaning products.

About You

We are looking for someone who is hardworking, practical, and dependable. You do not need years of kitchen experience, but you must have a positive attitude, good attention to detail, and a focus on keeping children safe.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Food Safety Level 2 certificate (or is willing to train to get one).
• Has basic reading, writing, and computer skills.
• Is organised, reliable, and takes pride in doing a great job.
• Enjoys working as part of a team and communicates well with children and adults.
• Cares deeply about food hygiene and safety standards.-
• Maintain strict personal hygiene: wear the provided uniform and hairnet, and follow our kitchen standards (no jewellery, false nails, or makeup, as explained in your induction training).

Why Join Wellspring Academy Trust?

Wellspring is a growing family of schools across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Humber. We run Primary, Secondary, Special, and Alternative schools, all working to give young people the best possible start in life.

• Supportive Culture: We value our staff and build supportive, friendly teams in every school.
• Training & Development: You will receive full induction training, health and safety qualifications, and opportunities to grow.
• Good Pay & Pension: Includes a local government pension scheme.
• Make a Difference: Every meal you serve helps nourish and support our pupils through their school day.

At Wellspring, we are committed to creating supportive environments where children thrive. Our catering team plays an important role in the school day, and we value the contribution of every team member.

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. As this role involves working with children in regulated activity, please note that it is an offence to apply for the role if barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.

References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.