Catering Assistant

CER; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 7,000 - 9,000; Part time

Job summary

CER is seeking a reliable Catering Assistant to join the school catering team in Wakefield. This part-time role covers 15 hours per week, with sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.15am–2.15pm.

You will support meal preparation, service and hygiene in a busy school setting. The successful candidate will have catering or food-service experience, understand food hygiene, and work well in a fast-paced, team-based environment while maintaining safeguarding practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or food-service is essential.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safe working practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
• Dependable, punctual and flexible attitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation for sandwiches, salads and hot meals.
• Serve pupils and staff during lunch service.
• Operate tills or handle payments where required.
• Set up and clear dining and service areas.
• Wash crockery, utensils and catering equipment.
• Maintain high cleanliness and follow hygiene and allergen procedures.
• Support deliveries, stock rotation and storage.
• Work cooperatively with the Catering Manager and wider school team.

Skills

Food hygiene

Teamwork

Communication

Punctuality

Flexibility

Safeguarding

Job description

Catering Assistant – Secondary School, Wakefield

Part-time | Monday, Wednesday and Friday | 9.15am-2.15pm

Role overview

We are looking for an experienced and reliable Catering Assistant to join the catering team at a secondary school in Wakefield. This is a varied, hands‑on role supporting the preparation and service of nutritious meals in a busy school environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation, including sandwiches, salads and hot meal accompaniments.
• Serve pupils and staff efficiently and courteously during the lunch service.
• Operate tills or handle payments where required.
• Set up and clear down the dining and service areas.
• Wash crockery, utensils and catering equipment.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and follow food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen procedures.
• Support deliveries, stock rotation and storage as directed.
• Work cooperatively with the Catering Manager and wider school team.

Essential requirements

• Previous catering or food-service experience is essential.
• A good understanding of food hygiene and safe working practices.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
• A dependable, punctual and flexible approach.
• Good communication skills and a friendly, professional manner.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Working pattern

Hours: 9.15am-2.15pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (15 hours per week).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required for the successful candidate.

CER is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and professional service for all. All pay rates provided are inclusive of rolled up holiday pay.