Kitchen Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Horsham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Your wellbeing matters

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support daily kitchen and dining operations at Manor House School in Horsham. You will assist with breakfast and lunch service, food preparation, and maintaining high cleanliness and safety standards.

The role requires GCSE grade C or equivalent and a strong focus on food hygiene, personal cleanliness, and teamwork in a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• GCSE grade C or equivalent required.
• Good food hygiene practices and preparation skills expected.
• High personal hygiene standards and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Support daily running of kitchen and dining areas.
• Assist with preparation, cooking and serving of food and beverages.
• Prepare dining and service areas before meal times.
• Lead in breakfast preparation and service.

Skills

Food hygiene

Food preparation

Personal hygiene

Teamwork

Initiative

Organisation

Reliability

Education

GCSE grade C or equivalent

Job description

As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to prepare and serve meals while ensuring high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety are maintained at all times. You'll play a key role in creating a positive dining experience for students and staff, assisting with breakfast and lunch services, food preparation, cleaning duties, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the daily running of the kitchen and dining areas
• Assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of food and beverages
• Preparing dining and service areas before meal times
• Taking the lead in preparing and serving breakfast
• Washing dishes, utensils, catering equipment, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness
• Carrying out routine and ad hoc cleaning duties across kitchen and dining areas
• Monitoring and managing cleaning supply stock levels
• Supporting colleagues and providing cover during busy periods or absences
• Following food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures at all times
  GCSE grade c or equivalent required
• Has good food preparation skills and an understanding of food hygiene practices
• Maintains high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness
• Works well both independently and as part of a team
• Can use their initiative and stay organised in a busy environment
• Is reliable, flexible, and willing to support colleagues when needed
• Is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone
  Manor House School is an independent co-educational school for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We provide a small, supportive environment where personalised learning helps students rebuild confidence and engage with education. Our dedicated staff foster positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and a calm, nurturing atmosphere. Through tailored support and a broad curriculum, we empower students to achieve success and prepare for life beyond school.
• At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
  We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support