Kitchen Assistant

The Harbour Schools Partnership; Exeter; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

Woodwater Academy, part of The Harbour Schools Partnership, is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to support the school café and dining hall, delivering a safe, high-quality lunchtime service for pupils.

The role focuses on assisting with lunchtime supervision, kitchen operations, food service, manual handling, and occasional off-site delivery cover with a valid driving licence. The position is 16 hours per week across 38 weeks, with pro-rata pay.

Qualifications

• Strong practical skills suited to a busy, hands-on kitchen environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with pupils, staff and visitors.
• A “can-do” attitude, strong teamwork skills and good interpersonal qualities.
• Ability to recognise minor issues and escalate.
• Physical ability to carry out manual handling and cleaning tasks safely.
• A full driving licence and access to a business-insured vehicle (essential for occasional food delivery cover)

Responsibilities

• Assisting with lunchtime supervision and supporting pupils as required
• Helping with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and dining hall
• Serving food and ensuring high standards of customer satisfaction
• Carrying out manual handling tasks such as lifting tables and insulated food boxes
• Providing occasional delivery cover between schools (driving licence and vehicle required)
• Following Health & Safety, Food Safety, Hygiene and school procedures
• Encouraging good table manners and assisting children with cutlery
• Cleaning tables, chairs, trolleys, counters, floors and kitchen equipment
• Maintaining hygiene standards
• Reporting accidents, hazards or equipment issues promptly
• Attending training and meetings as required

Skills

Hands-on kitchen

Professional communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Manual handling

Driving licence

Job description

Salary: NJC Grade A3 £25,614 FTE (This will be paid pro-rata to reflect hours and weeks worked)

Working Pattern: This is a permanent position working 16 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (Monday to Friday)

Woodwater Academy is proud to offer an excellent education for all within a framework of our core values; put simply, we want our children to grow up to become confident, kind and responsible citizens.

Woodwater Academy are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our school team. This is a key role supporting the smooth running of both the kitchen and dining hall, ensuring pupils receive a safe, positive and high-quality lunchtime experience.

About the Role

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in delivering an efficient, friendly and hygienic school catering service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with lunchtime supervision and supporting pupils as required
• Helping with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and dining hall
• Serving food and ensuring high standards of customer satisfaction
• Carrying out manual handling tasks such as lifting tables and insulated food boxes
• Providing occasional delivery cover between schools (full driving licence and business‑insured vehicle required)
• Following Health & Safety, Food Safety, Hygiene and school operational procedures
• Encouraging good table manners and assisting children with cutlery when needed
• Cleaning tables, chairs, trolleys, counters, floors and kitchen equipment
• Maintaining excellent personal and general hygiene standards
• Reporting accidents, hazards, complaints or equipment issues promptly
• Attending training and meetings as required

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who brings enthusiasm, reliability and a positive attitude to their work.

• Strong practical skills suited to a busy, hands‑on kitchen environment
• Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with pupils, staff and visitors
• A “can‑do” attitude, strong teamwork skills and good interpersonal qualities
• Ability to recognise minor issues and esc
• Physical ability to carry out manual handling and cleaning tasks safely
• A full driving licence and access to a business‑insured vehicle (essential for occasional food delivery cover)

Desirable (but not essential)

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience in a similar role or relevant personal interest
• Basic IT understanding for simple administrative tasks
• Industry‑relevant training or qualifications

Why Join Us?

As part of The Harbour Schools Partnership, you’ll be joining a supportive and inclusive community that values teamwork, quality service and a positive environment for both staff and pupils.

This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 1st October 2026, interviews will be held on 6th October 2026.

All shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search.

The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.