Kitchen Assistant

Shorefields; Hullbridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Riverside Primary School in Hullbridge is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join the catering team. The role is 7.5 hours a week, term-time only, from 12:00 to 13:30, and reports to the Catering Manager.

A DBS disclosure is required before appointment. You will help prepare fresh meals, serve pupils at lunchtime, and maintain high hygiene and safety standards in a fast-paced school kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in basic food preparation and customer service (ideally in a catering or school setting).
• A deep understanding of food hygiene and personal cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Food prep and simple cooking for nutritious meals.
• Serve students at the counter, hatch, or kiosk during lunch.
• Maintain a clean, hygienic kitchen and dining areas.
• Keep dining areas stocked and ready during busy service periods.
• Attend training and assist with school events when needed.

Skills

Food prep

Customer service

Hygiene

Teamwork

Stock management

Job description

Position Start Date: 04/01/2027 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 04/12/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: TBA

Kitchen Assistant
Location: Riverside Primary School Grade: Scale 2 (£26016 - £26427 FTE) Hours:7.5 hours a week 12 to 1.30pm term time only Reports to: Catering Manager

Are you passionate about providing healthy, delicious meals to children? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where teamwork and cleanliness are top priorities? Riverside Primary School is looking for a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join our catering team and help us deliver a high-quality dining experience for our students.

The Role

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will be the engine room of our school kitchen. You'll assist the Catering Manager in preparing fresh food and beverages, ensuring our students are fueled and ready to learn.

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Prep & Cooking: Assist with simple cooking and preparation of nutritious meals.
• Service with a Smile: Serve students at the counter, hatch, or kiosk, ensuring they have a positive lunchtime experience.
• Maintenance & Hygiene: Maintain a sparkling kitchen by cleaning equipment, floors, and fixtures to the highest statutory standards.
• Stock & Setup: Keep dining areas clean, tidy, and fully stocked during busy service periods.
• Team Support: Attend training and occasionally help out with special school functions and events.

Who We Are Looking For

We need a reliable, proactive individual who understands the importance of health and safety in a school environment.

You will need:

• Experience: Previous experience in basic food preparation and customer service (ideally in a catering or school setting).
• Standards: A deep understanding of food hygiene and personal cleanliness.
• Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with both children and adults.
• Team Spirit: A "can-do" attitude and the ability to work effectively as part of a busy team.

Safeguarding & Visits

Riverside Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be offered a position subject to full pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS disclosure.

We would love to show you around our school! You are very welcome to make an appointment to visit us by contacting the school office on 01702 230911.

Information about the School

Riverside Primary School, situated 500m from the River Crouch, opened in September 2010 when the Infant and Junior schools amalgamated. We are very proud to be an integral part of the village of Hullbridge, building and enjoying strong links with other schools, local businesses and members of our local community.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Claire Smith
Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley
Essex, SS5 6ND Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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