Catering Assistant

VALENCE SCHOOL; Westerham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Westerham is seeking an enthusiastic Catering Assistant for a 12-month fixed term role to support their catering team. The ideal candidate will assist with meal preparation, maintain hygiene standards, and set up dining areas. The position is term-time, offering generous benefits including a pension scheme and staff wellbeing support. If you are reliable and motivated to be part of a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme with life cover

Access to retail discounts and health support

Free on-site parking and refreshments

Qualifications

• Desirable: Experience in basic food preparation in schools.
• Can do attitude and willingness to take on a variety of tasks.
• Flexibility required during busy periods and functions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the day-to-day catering function including meal preparation.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Set up and clear dining areas and follow food safety procedures.

Skills

Experience in basic food preparation

Flexibility for busy periods

Reliable and hardworking

Job description

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our onsite Catering team on a 12‑month fixed term basis from March 2026 to cover a maternity leave. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment and takes pride in delivering excellent service. You will work alongside our Catering Manager and team to support with all aspects of food preparation required by the school.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the day‑to‑day catering function of the school, including meal preparation, washing up, cleaning, and clearing the dining and kitchen areas.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in kitchen and service areas.
• Set up and clear dining areas, including washing up and waste disposal.
• Follow all food safety, health, and safety procedures.

Experience in basic food preparation in schools is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. You will have a "can do" attitude and be willing to take on a variety of tasks. A degree of flexibility is required for busy periods and functions.

If you are motivated, dependable and keen to be part of a dedicated team, we would like to hear from you!

Working Terms & Benefits

• Term‑time working – 39 working weeks plus 6.4 weeks paid holiday.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover.
• Access to retail discounts, health and wellbeing support including staff wellbeing sessions and events.
• Free on‑site parking and refreshments.

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value diversity and promote equality for all. For shortlisted candidates references will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).