Kitchen Assistant

Alton Park Junior School; Tendring; On-site; GBP 3,800 - 4,700; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work

Discounted gym memberships

Cinema tickets

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Alton Park Junior School is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to join our busy catering team. You will support the preparation and service of meals for pupils, maintain high standards of hygiene, and work closely with staff to keep the dining area clean and welcoming.

This part-time, term-time role runs 11:15am to 1:30pm, Monday to Friday, 38 weeks per year. We value reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing and cooking simple food and beverages.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to follow instructions and complete basic forms.
• Ability to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and follow health & safety guidelines.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to establish warm, respectful relationships with children and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and simple cooking of food and beverages, and serve pupils and staff at counter/hatch areas or trolleys.
• Maintain exceptionally high standards of personal and kitchen hygiene in compliance with statutory and school regulations. Clean equipment, utensils, fixtures, and dining room areas during and after service.
• Work collaboratively with catering and school staff, occasionally assisting with special school functions.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager as required in primary catering settings.

Skills

Experience in food prep

Hygiene & safety awareness

Team collaboration

Communication with pupils & staff

Time management

Job description

Join a Community Where Everyone Matters at Alton Park Junior School

Are you looking for a rewarding, hands-on role in a friendly school community?

We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our busy catering team at Alton Park Junior School.

Working under the direction of the Catering Manager, you will play a vital role in providing healthy, high-quality meal services to our pupils. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a team environment.

• Start date: ASAP following pre-employment checks
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: Part time - 11.25 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (term time only)
• Working pattern: 11:15am - 1:30pm Monday to Friday

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation and simple cooking of food and beverages, and serve pupils and staff at counter/hatch areas or trolleys.
• Maintain exceptionally high standards of personal and kitchen hygiene in compliance with statutory and school regulations. Clean equipment, utensils, fixtures, and dining room areas during and after service.
• Work collaboratively with catering and school staff, occasionally assisting with special school functions.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager as required in primary catering settings.

About You

We’re looking for a candidate who is hardworking, adaptable, and enthusiastic about supporting the school environment.

• You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:
• Experience in preparing and cooking simple food and beverages.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to follow instructions and complete basic forms.
• Ability to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and follow health & safety guidelines.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to establish warm, respectful relationships with children and colleagues.
• A strong commitment to child protection, safeguarding, and equality.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?

We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision ‘To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts’, where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

Interviews are expected to take place on 13th November 2026.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised.