Catering Assistant

OFG Education; Robertsbridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to adjust

Your Wellbeing Matters - mental health

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health, wellbeing and insurance

Discount programs

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

OFG Education is seeking a friendly Catering Assistant to join our Mountfield Heath School team in Robertsbridge, East Sussex. You will assist with meal preparation, serving, and maintaining kitchen hygiene, contributing to a safe and welcoming lunchtime experience for students.

The role supports the wellbeing and development of students in a trauma-informed setting, with training provided where needed. Experience in catering and a positive, can-do attitude are valued.

Qualifications

• A Food Hygiene qualification or catering-related training would be advantageous
• Catering, kitchen, or food preparation experience desired
• Food hygiene and food safety are desired
• Is organised, dependable, and able to adapt in a busy environment
• Has a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of healthy school meals
• Supporting students during lunchtime in a safe and welcoming dining environment
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness
• Cleaning kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, and dining spaces
• Monitoring stock levels and reporting any supply issues
• Helping to accommodate special dietary requirements
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to support the wellbeing of all students

Skills

Team player

Organised

Dependable

Willing to learn

Education

Food hygiene qualification

Catering training

Job description

We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our school team. This is more than a kitchen role. You will help provide nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming environment that supports our students' wellbeing, development, and daily success. Working alongside our Catering Manager and wider staff team, you'll assist with meal preparation, serving, kitchen hygiene, and creating a positive lunchtime experience for students within a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming setting.

What You'll Be Doing

• Assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of healthy school meals
• Supporting students during lunchtime in a safe and welcoming dining environment
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness
• Cleaning kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, and dining spaces
• Monitoring stock levels and reporting any supply issues
• Helping to accommodate special dietary requirements
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to support the wellbeing of all students, A Food Hygiene qualification or catering-related training would be advantageous, but training can be provided for the right candidate.
  Catering, kitchen, or food preparation experience desired
• Food hygiene and food safety are desired
• Enjoys working as part of a team
• Is organised, dependable, and able to adapt in a busy environment
• Has a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn
• Takes pride in maintaining excellent hygiene and cleanliness standards
  At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve. Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School At Mountfield Heath School

Every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and rewards. Every member of our team plays a crucial role in shaping brighter futures for our students. We support autistic boys and girls aged 5-11, many of whom have additional needs. Our independent special educational needs provision currently educates 45 students, across a spacious site with large classrooms and dedicated outdoor learning areas. Our mission is simple: to equip every child with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We aim to prepare students not only for school but for life beyond, encouraging them to achieve high standards in all areas of development. Located in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, the school is easily accessible from Hastings, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and surrounding areas, making this an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and forward-thinking school community. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support