Catering Assistant - The Downs School

Palmer & Howells; West of England; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Palmer & Howells in Bristol is seeking a dedicated Catering Assistant to join our school kitchen team. You will help prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals to pupils and staff, contributing to a positive lunchtime experience. This role offers 27.5 hours a week during 34 weeks per year, with a £13 per hour rate.

Training in health and safety is provided, and a Food Safety Level 2 certificate is a bonus. You will work closely with the kitchen and school team to maintain a clean, safe

Qualifications

• A versatile, outgoing, and highly collaborative approach to working that aligns with our positive team values.
• A genuine interest in food preparation and cooking, with a desire to learn and contribute to nutritious menus.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety principles. A Food Safety Level 2 certificate is a bonus, but we will provide training for the right candidate!
• The ability to reliably work the listed hours and easily commute to the school location.

Responsibilities

• Instil a strong sense of teamwork by collaborating closely with the kitchen and wider school team to prepare and serve freshly made, high-quality lunches for pupils and staff.
• Maintain a spotless and safe kitchen environment, strictly adhering to all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.
• Work with speed and efficiency to manage the demands and service requirements during busy lunch periods.
• Prepare and complete food service requirements for special school occasions, including meetings, sports days, and other events.
• Deliver the highest quality of innovative, fresh, and delicious food and service to our pupils.

Skills

Teamwork

Food preparation

Health & Safety

Education

Food Safety Level 2

Job description

About Us

At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our staff are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

This is a dynamic, hands‑on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.

The Role

We are looking for a dedicated and energetic Catering Assistant to join our friendly team and help us deliver delicious, nutritious meals to our students and staff every day. This is a chance to be a vital part of the school community!

The Details

Hours: 27.5 hours per week
Weeks: 34 weeks per year
Rate: £13 per hour per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Instil a strong sense of teamwork by collaborating closely with the kitchen and wider school team to prepare and serve freshly made, high-quality lunches for pupils and staff.
• Maintain a spotless and safe kitchen environment, strictly adhering to all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.
• Work with speed and efficiency to manage the demands and service requirements during busy lunch periods.
• Prepare and complete food service requirements for special school occasions, including meetings, sports days, and other events.
• While your day-to-day tasks may vary slightly, your central goal is unwavering: delivering the highest quality of innovative, fresh, and delicious food and service to our pupils.

What You’ll Need

• A versatile, outgoing, and highly collaborative approach to working that aligns with our positive team values.
• A genuine interest in food preparation and cooking, with a desire to learn and contribute to nutritious menus.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety principles. A Food Safety Level 2 certificate is a bonus, but we will provide training for the right candidate!
• The ability to reliably work the listed hours and easily commute to the school location.

Why Join Us

• Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.
• You will have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses available to everyone.
• Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

Safeguarding Commitment

Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

• Salary £13 per hour
• Hourly
• Job Reference JGT/TP/76/10022
• Contract Type Part Time
• Closing Date 9 December, 2026
• Job Category Unit Level
• Business Unit Palmer & Howells Ltd
• Location Wraxall, Bristol, United Kingdom
• 9 November, 2026