Kitchen Assistant

PK Education; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 12,398 - 16,531; Part time

Job summary

PK Education in the United Kingdom's East Midlands region seeks a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support food preparation, meal assembly, and serving for pupils and staff.

You will assist with washing, peeling, basic prep, and cooking under supervision, ensuring proper portions and presentation at all times. The role emphasises hygiene, safety, and teamwork in a school setting.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of basic hygiene and cleanliness standards.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.
• Previous kitchen/catering experience (desirable).
• Basic food hygiene certificate (Level 2) (desirable).
• Experience in a school setting (desirable).
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergens (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of ingredients, including washing, peeling, and basic food prep tasks.
• Help with cooking and assembly of meals under supervision.
• Serve food to pupils and staff with presentation and portion control.
• Prepare and set up dining areas, counters, serving stations, and equipment.
• Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, and work surfaces to hygiene standards.
• Wash dishes, trays, and cutlery and sanitise items.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, proper storage/handling.
• Dispose of waste and keep kitchen clean/organised.
• Support stock rotation, storage, and basic inventory tasks.
• Receive and store deliveries per food safety guidelines.
• Report equipment faults, hazards, or shortages to supervisor.
• Assist during busy service periods for smooth operations.
• Promote a positive dining experience for pupils and staff.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and hygiene policies.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff and school teams.
• Support special events or themed menus when required.

Skills

Teamwork

Food safety

Hygiene

Communication

Punctuality

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Food Preparation and Service

Assist with the preparation of ingredients, including washing, peeling, and basic food preparation tasks.

Help with the cooking and assembly of meals under the direction of the Head Cook or Catering Manager.

Serve food to pupils and staff in a friendly and efficient manner, ensuring portion control and presentation standards are maintained.

Prepare and set up dining areas, including counters, serving stations, and equipment.

Maintaining Cleanliness and Hygiene

Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, and work surfaces in line with food hygiene standards.

Wash dishes, trays, and cutlery, ensuring all items are properly sanitised.

Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including correct storage and handling of food.

Dispose of waste appropriately and maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment.

Supporting Kitchen Operations

Assist with stock rotation, storage, and basic inventory tasks.

Receive and store deliveries in accordance with food safety guidelines.

Report any equipment faults, hazards, or shortages to the Head Cook or Catering Manager.

Support the kitchen team during busy service periods to ensure smooth operations.

Supporting the School

Promote a positive dining experience for pupils and staff.

Follow school policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, and hygiene at all times.

Work collaboratively with kitchen staff and wider school teams.

Support special events, themed menus, or school functions where required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of basic hygiene and cleanliness standards.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a kitchen, catering, or food service environment.
• Basic food hygiene certificate (e.g. Level 2 Food Safety).
• Experience working in a school or similar setting.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergens.

Working Conditions

• Term-time only, with occasional additional days as required.
• Working hours as agreed by the school.
• Role involves standing for extended periods and carrying out physical tasks such as lifting, cleaning, and food preparation.