General Catering Assistant

Preston School; England; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A secondary academy in Yeovil is looking for a motivated Catering Assistant to join the catering team. You will assist in food preparation, help with basic cooking tasks, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. The position requires a positive attitude and good communication skills, with an emphasis on cleanliness and service. Full training will be provided for those without experience. Benefits include annual leave, pension scheme, and cycle-to-work options. Working hours are 30 hours a week during term time.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Sick pay scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free eye tests

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Positive team-oriented attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation using recognised catering techniques.
• Help with basic cooking tasks like frying and steaming.
• Operate kitchen machinery once trained.
• Support in setting up and supervising dining areas.
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment to hygiene standards.
• Assist with cashless catering and monitoring food temperatures.

Skills

Team-oriented attitude

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Flexibility

Job description

Role : Preston School

Location : Yeovil

Start Date : January 2026

Hours : 30 hours a week - 8 : 30am - 2 : 30pm Term time plus 1 inset day

Salary : Grade 1 Scale 3 - 4 12.85 - 13.05 per hour (Grade 1 Scale Point 3-4) (FTE 24796 - 25185) actual salary 16695 - 17231

Preston School is a vibrant and inclusive secondary academy located in Yeovil Somerset. We are dedicated to providing an inspiring education and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Our staff are passionate professionals and committed to maintaining the schools high standards of care and achievement.

As part of this commitment we are seeking a motivated and reliable Catering Assistant to join our friendly catering team helping us deliver nutritious high-quality meals to our students staff and visitors.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

As a valued member of our catering team you will :

• Assist in the preparation of food using recognised catering techniques and methods.
• Help with basic cooking tasks such as frying boiling steaming vegetables and preparing salads and sandwiches.
• Operate kitchen machinery (e.g. mixers slicers dishwashers sterilisers) once trained.
• Support in the setup and supervision of the dining area ensuring smooth service and a welcoming environment.
• Clean and maintain tables trays trolleys bins and kitchen equipment ensuring all areas meet Health & Safety and Food Hygiene standards.
• Operate tills and assist with cashless catering free school meals and staff meal processes.
• Monitor and record food temperatures and fridge / freezer checks in line with regulations.
• Participate in routine and deep cleaning of the kitchen and dining room using approved chemicals and methods.
• Assist the Catering Operations Manager and Lead Cook with catering-related tasks and skill development.
• Support with risk assessments and promptly report hazards or safety concerns.
• Help provide catering for school events such as parents evenings meetings and conferences.

What We’re Looking For

• A positive team-oriented attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to high standards of cleanliness hygiene and service.
• Flexibility to support school events or cover other local schools when required.
• Previous catering or kitchen experience is desirable but not essential full training provided

There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is a generous annual leave entitlement access to a local government pension scheme sick pay scheme cycle-to-work scheme free eye tests and employee assistance helpline.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Key Skills

Abinitio,Corporate Banking,Logistics & Procurement,Consumer Durables,FX,Instrument Maintenance

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 16695 - 17231