Catering Assistant - Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham - Ed Catering 622331 (W)

Hampshire County Council; Fareham; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Fareham seeks a Catering Assistant to prepare and serve healthy meals in a school setting. This term-time role offers training and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic team players capable of working in a busy environment. Full training will be provided, and applicants can expect a supportive team atmosphere along with benefits like annual leave and access to a pension scheme.

Benefits

Minimum 24 days annual leave

Interest-free travel loans

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Support Services

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering environment preferred but not essential.
• Ability to cope with physical demands of the job.
• Willingness to undergo mandatory training.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve lunch to pupils adhering to hygiene rules.
• Perform kitchen tasks including cleaning and setup.
• Handle cash occasionally, following guidelines.

Skills

Team player

Ability to work in a busy environment

Physical stamina

Job description

Catering Assistant - Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham - Ed Catering 622331 (W)

Job Reference: HCC622331

Salary Range: £12.56 per hour

Work Location: Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham

Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only

Closing Date: 23rd September 2025

Need a term time only job?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy team preparing and serving freshly prepared healthy, nutritious school meals as well as setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas. Our Catering Assistants work term time, during school hours.

It’s a rewarding job, and we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed, we have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and progress.

You’ll need to enjoy being part of a team, serving lunch on time is essential, so you must be able to cope in a busy environment and work well under pressure.

If you have experience of working in a catering environment that would be an advantage, but it’s not essential.

The Role:

Help prepare, cook and serve lunch to pupils following strict Hygiene and Safety rules. Carry out other kitchen tasks, including cleaning, setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas.

What you’ll do:

• Put away deliveries, rotate stock and carry out quantity, temperature and quality checks
• Follow specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
• Encourage the children to try a variety of food
• Make packed lunches for school trips
• Handle cash on occasions, following our strict guidelines
• Keep to HC3S and Hampshire County Council health and safety, food safety and hygiene procedures

You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong team player
• Ability to work in a busy fast paced environment
• Ability to cope with physical element of the job
• Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures
• Term-time only working – no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
• A friendly supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing
• Full training and opportunities to progress
• A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Interest free travel loans and discounts.
• Employee Support Services.
• Family friendly policies.
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

If you’d like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.

Tracey Reddington-Gauld, District Manager, on 07590305119

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.