Kitchen Assistant

Suffolk County Council; Bury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a Kitchen Assistant to join the Catering Team at Old Buckenham Hall School in Suffolk. The role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals to pupils, staff and visitors, with a strong emphasis on hygiene and safe food handling.

You’ll work within a supportive team, contributing to a positive dining experience for young people. The successful candidate will demonstrate a friendly, patient approach, good communication, and the ability to work both independently and

Qualifications

• Positive and open attitude with willingness to learn
• Good understanding of hygiene and safety practices in a kitchen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals to children, staff and visitors
• Work as part of the Catering Team to produce meals in a hygienic environment
• Support the team with general kitchen duties and food safety compliance

Job description

Job Description

• Old Buckenham Hall
• Address: Brettenham Park, Suffolk IP7 7PH
• Salary: £12.71 per hour
• Hours: 35 hours per week, 46 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 5358.

We're looking for a motivated and passionate Kitchen Assistant who will be the heart of our operation for Old Buckenham Hall School. You'll join the Catering Team in producing and serving nutritious meals to children, staff and visitors.

You will ideally be able to demonstrate a positive and open attitude with a willingness to learn, and a good understanding of hygiene and safety practices in a food preparation environment. In a kitchen environment excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working as part of the school a caring and patient nature with a genuine interest in supporting children is needed and being physically fit for the demands of the role, including lifting and carrying. Experience in working in a kitchen is beneficial.

All staff, contractors, volunteers have a responsibility and duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Staff must be aware of the systems within the school which support safeguarding and must act in accordance with the School's Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and Code of Conduct. Staff will receive appropriate child protection training which is regularly updated.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that 'the Whole Person is the Whole point'. Find out more here: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Rugby School

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.

Closing date: 1pm, 30 August 2026.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, social medica checks (including the dark web) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Charity Registration Number 528752

About the Team