Catering Assistant

Shorefields; Maldon; Hybrid; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Part time

Job summary

Plume Academy is seeking a Catering Assistant to join its busy catering team on a permanent, term-time-only basis. The role is 22.5 hours per week, 9:45am to 2:15pm, five days a week during term time. Training will be provided, though catering experience is desirable.

Salary is paid per the academy support staff scale with progression subject to annual review. The successful candidate will assist with food and drink preparation and take turns serving during the academy day, supporting both

Qualifications

• Previous catering experience desirable; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of food and drinks.
• Serve at designated times during the academy day.
• Support catering operations as directed across campuses.

Skills

Catering experience

Teamwork

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 02/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: From week commencing 2 November 2026

We are seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant on a permanent term time only basis to join our busy catering team as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be efficient, flexible and well organised to assist with the preparation of food and drinks as well as serve at designated times during the academy day and offers an opportunity to help and support both campuses as directed.Previous catering experience will be desirable; however, full training will be given.

Responsibilities of the Post Holder

The main responsibilities are in accordance with the job description for Catering Assistant.

Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic and have a high level of commitment, ability to work within a team and manager their own time effectively to ensure that the role is completed in the time frame set.

Remuneration and Working Time

The hours of work required for the role are 22.5 hours (including 30 minutes unpaid break), 5 days per week, 9:45am - 2.15pm, term time only. Annual salary for a Catering Assistant will be in accordance with the academy support staff pay scale, which for appointment for a full time post currently involves a salary of Band 1 Point 7 in the range of point 7 - 10 (2025/26 pay awards) with an actual starting salary £12,468.57 per annum.

Salaries are reviewed by national negotiation with effect from 1st April each year. Progression through the pay scale is subject to an acceptable annual performance development review process.

Information about the School

Work at a place where you feel valued and recognised. An environment where imagination and creativity counts. Work with us.

Currently the third largest secondary school in Essex as a single academy trust and growing, we are focused on enhancing our future structure and have roles where we are seeking people who can bring fresh perspectives and new variety for the benefits of our students. At Plume Academy you will find the space to develop your talents, the freedom to contribute and the opportunity to grow as part of our welcoming and inclusive family. Employing over 250 staff, from teaching and learning to management and administration, you will find opportunities at every level, across both of our campuses.

Our people share a determination to push boundaries, think differently and achieve more. As an employee, you’ll play a crucial part in assisting with our continual development. In return, we will support, nurture and reward you with benefits from training and development to responsibility recognition.

Plume had a successful Ofsted inspection in November 2023 and was judged a ‘good’ Academy. Ofsted acknowledged the high quality of teaching and excellent relationships in the Academy.

Plume Academy remains fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Plume Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, demonstration of ability, together with the receipt of references.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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