Kitchen Assistant

Cucumber Catering; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Uniform provided

Holiday pay

DBS check offered

Job summary

Cucumber Catering in Southampton is seeking experienced Kitchen Assistants for agency roles across local schools and care homes. You will assist with meal preparation, cooking and serving, supporting a friendly kitchen team and following menus, portions and dietary needs. A caring, patient approach is essential.

An Enhanced DBS check is required. Reliable, punctual team players are preferred. Weekly pay, uniform provided and DBS offered free of charge.

Qualifications

• Experience in schools, care homes or similar care settings is essential.
• Experience as Kitchen/Catering Assistant or similar role.
• Caring, compassionate approach when working with children and vulnerable adults.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen procedures.
• Awareness of allergies and dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation, cooking and serving of meals to students and residents.
• Support kitchen team with daily operations.
• Follow menus, portion sizes and dietary requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in kitchen and dining areas.
• Comply with health, food safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Work respectfully around children and vulnerable adults.

Skills

School kitchen experience

Care setting experience

Food hygiene knowledge

Enhanced DBS check

Job description

Schools & Care Homes – Agency Kitchen Assistant

Location: Local Schools & Care Homes in and around Southampton
Pay Rate: £12.71–£15.00 per hour
Job Type: Agency / Temporary & Fixed-Term Opportunities
Pay: Weekly

Are you an experienced Kitchen Assistant who enjoys working in schools and care settings? Do you understand the importance of providing nutritious, well-presented meals while creating a safe, caring and welcoming environment?

We are looking for reliable, caring and hardworking Kitchen Assistants to support our clients across local schools and care homes. Previous experience working within a school, care home or other care-focused environment is essential, as you will be working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work, works well as part of a team and understands that working in a school or care environment requires patience, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals to students, pupils and care home residents.
• Support the kitchen team with the smooth running of daily catering operations.
• Follow menus, portion sizes and dietary requirements carefully.
• Take extra care when preparing meals for individuals with allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
• Clean and sanitise kitchen equipment, surfaces and work areas in line with food hygiene requirements.
• Follow all health & safety, food safety and safeguarding procedures.
• Work respectfully and professionally around children, vulnerable adults, residents, pupils and school staff.
• Help create a positive, friendly and supportive environment.
• Carry out other general kitchen duties as required.

Essential Experience & Requirements

• Previous experience working in a school, care home or similar care setting is essential.
• Previous experience as a Kitchen Assistant, Catering Assistant or similar role.
• A genuine caring and compassionate approach when working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen procedures.
• Awareness of the importance of allergies, dietary requirements and nutritional needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual and able to adapt to different working environments.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS check required (a free first DBS is available).
• Availability for the duration of the assignment/contract.

What We Offer

• £12.71–£15.00 per hour, depending on experience and assignment.
• Regular opportunities across schools and care homes.
• Weekly pay.
• Holiday pay.
• Uniform provided.
• Free first DBS check.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• The opportunity to build your experience across education and care environments.
• Support from our friendly agency team.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have hands‑on experience working in schools or care homes and who understand that catering in these environments is about more than simply preparing food.

You will be someone who is caring, patient, dependable and professional, with a genuine commitment to providing a high standard of service to those in your care.