Catering Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme with generous employer

Generous annual leave entitlement

ME Day: additional leave

Professional development through theMa

Hybrid working for eligible roles

Perkbox discounts

Free flu vaccinations and eye tests

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery is seeking a Catering Assistant to support lunchtimes by preparing and serving meals, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with safe food handling. The role offers training and a friendly school community.

Working 16 hours a week in term times plus INSET days, the post emphasizes teamwork, reliability and good communication in a busy dining setting with pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Positive and flexible approach to work.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Understands hygiene, food safety and health and safety requirements.
• Dependable and organised.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and serving food and drinks.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures at all times.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Set up and clear away dining areas.
• Wash utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment.
• Support stock rotation and storage procedures.
• Provide a friendly and welcoming service to pupils, colleagues and visitors.
• Contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for all pupils.

Skills

Positive and flexible approach

Team player

Good communication

Fast-paced work

Hygiene and safety

Dependable and organised

Job description

A catering assistant post at Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery, a two-form entry community school. The work is preparing and serving lunches, keeping the kitchen and dining areas clean and safe, and washing up. It is 16 hours a week in term time plus two INSET days, in a busy lunchtime setting with pupils and colleagues. Visa sponsorship is not available, and training is offered to candidates without kitchen experience.

What the job involves

• Assist with preparing and serving food and drinks
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas
• Follow food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures at all times
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately
• Set up and clear away dining areas
• Wash utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment
• Support stock rotation and storage procedures
• Provide a friendly and welcoming service to pupils, colleagues and visitors
• Contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for all pupils

What’s required

Skills & knowledge

• Positive and flexible approach to work
• Works well as part of a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Understands hygiene, food safety and health and safety requirements
• Dependable and organised

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references

Other

• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Commitment to a high-quality catering service and to supporting the school community

Nice to have

• Previous catering or kitchen experience

What’s offered

• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme)
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with length of service
• ME Day: one additional day's leave each year for a significant personal event
• Professional development through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
• Hybrid working for eligible roles
• Perkbox discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
• Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and discount schemes