Kitchen Assistant

Shorefields; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 11,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Apetito system training

Apetito uniform

Continued professional development

Job summary

Debden C of E Primary Academy seeks a Kitchen Assistant to reheat Apetito meals, serve pupils, and maintain high kitchen hygiene. You’ll ensure safe handling, support allergy requirements, and help with basic daily prep in a busy school lunch service.

Experience in school catering is preferred; Level 2 Food Hygiene is desirable, with full training provided. A supportive team environment and a focus on safe practices are offered in this role.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in school catering or a fast-paced kitchen is preferred, with training provided.
• Ability to work efficiently during the busy lunchtime rush and interact well with pupils.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe environment and following hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Reheating Apetito meals safely and on time.
• Serving meals to pupils while managing allergies and dietary needs.
• Washing up trays and keeping kitchen and dining areas clean.
• Logging daily food safety checks including temperatures.
• Assisting with stock rotation and basic daily prep.

Skills

Experience in school catering

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2155-77S Position Type: Catering Pay Range: Scale 2, Point 4-5

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 28/09/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: 6 October 2026

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

1000-1330, Monday-Friday; term time plus 1 week (39 working weeks per year)

FTE Salary: Scale 2, Point4-5 (£26,016-£26,427)

Actual Salary: £10,265-£10,428

Immediate start

We are a thriving village school seeking to appoint a Kitchen Assistant who has a passion for providing high-quality meals. At Debden C of E Primary Academy, we provide our pupils with healthy, delicious, and nutritious lunches that fuel their learning. To achieve this, we use the Apetito frozen meal system, which ensures high quality, balanced school meals every day. A job share will be considered for the right candidates.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a rewarding role within a school community. Because we use the Apetito system, there is no complex cooking from scratch. Your main focus will be on the safe reheating of meals, preparing the service, dishing up food for the children, and maintaining excellent kitchen hygiene.

Key responsibilities:

• Reheating Apetito school meals safely, ensuring strict timing and temperature controls.
• Serving meals to pupils, while carefully managing allergy and dietary requirements.
• Washing up serving trays and utensils and ensuring the kitchen and dining hall areas are clean and sanitized.
• Logging daily food safety checks, including oven and core food temperatures.
• Helping prepare basic daily items and ensuring proper stock rotation.

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience in school catering or a fast-paced kitchen is preferred, along with a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate, but not essential as full training will be given.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure during the busy lunchtime rush, with excellent communication skills to interact positively with children.
• A warm, approachable personality and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for pupils.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive training on the Apetito system, Apetito uniform and continued professional development.
• The opportunity to work in a successful and supportive environment.
• A caring and friendly staff body.

Closing Date: Midday on 28 September 2026

Interviews: 6 October 2026

Debden C of E Primary Academy has a strong focus on promoting Christian values and is part of Great Oak Multi Academy Trust. Visits to our friendly school are warmly welcomed and actively encouraged.

Information about the School

Debden CE Primary Academy is a warm and welcoming school situated near Saffron Walden on the Essex/Suffolk/Cambridge borders. It is a place where children can reach their best and fulfill their potential within our caring Christian 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.

Documents

Please be aware that some uploaded documents may require special software such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Kitchen Assistant

St Clare's Catholic Primary School, Clacton-on-Sea Closing: 18/09/2026 Midnight

Stock Church of England Primary School, Ingatestone Closing: 28/09/2026 Midday