Kitchen Assistant at Woodpecker Hall Primary Academy

Woodpecker Hall Primary Academy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodpecker Hall Academy is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to provide a high-quality catering service for pupils and staff. You will work as part of a team in a busy school kitchen, following menus, recipes and hygiene procedures to ensure safe, nourishing meals.

The role demands good food hygiene knowledge, the ability to stay calm during peak service times, and a flexible, collaborative attitude. GCSEs in English and Maths are required, with Level 2 Food Safety desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy kitchen, catering or food preparation environment.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, safety and safe working practices.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, portion requirements and procedures.
• Awareness of allergens and safe handling for dietary needs.
• Ability to use basic kitchen equipment safely and responsibly.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.
• Reliable, punctual and organized under busy service times.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality catering for pupils and staff.
• Work as part of a team in a busy school kitchen.
• Follow menus, recipes and portion controls accurately.
• Safely handle food and allergens with care.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across kitchen and dining areas.
• Communicate professionally with pupils and staff.
• Be flexible and supportive to colleagues when needed.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food hygiene

Allergen awareness

Team player

Punctual

Education

GCSEs English & Maths (C)

Level 2 Food Safety (desirable)

Job description

About this Role

Why join us?

Woodpecker Hall Academy is a wonderful primary school and nursery, and a proud member of North Star Community Trust, a family of schools united by the belief that we are Stronger Together. The Trust plays a vital role in the communities it serves, creating real, lasting change through education, opportunity and support. At Woodpecker Hall the children are at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child deserves an excellent education in a safe, nurturing environment with staff who care deeply and go above and beyond. Our children consistently achieve some of the best results in the borough, with progress and attainment well above national averages. We are proud to be ranked in the top 5% of schools nationally and to have received a national Silver Award for Primary School of the Year.

About the role

We are looking for a reliable, hardworking and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant who takes pride in providing a high-quality catering service for our pupils and staff. You will be someone who can work well as part of a team, follow instructions and maintain high standards in a busy kitchen environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in a busy kitchen, catering or food preparation environment.
• Has a good understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe working practices.
• Can follow menus, recipes, portion requirements and established catering procedures accurately.
• Understands the importance of allergen awareness and taking appropriate care when preparing and serving food for those with dietary requirements.
• Can use basic kitchen and catering equipment safely and responsibly.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across the kitchen, dining and food service areas.
• Is able to work efficiently and remain calm and organised during busy meal service periods.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with pupils, staff and colleagues.
• Works collaboratively as part of a team and is willing to support colleagues when required.
• Is reliable, punctual and able to manage their time effectively.
• Has a positive and flexible approach and can respond to changing demands within the kitchen.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion within a school environment.
• Is committed to supporting a safe, welcoming and positive environment for all pupils and staff.
• Holds GCSEs in English and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.
• A Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification would be desirable, or you should be willing to obtain this.

What we offer

We are committed to being a supportive, caring and rewarding place to work and learn, and to being an employer of choice. A full overview of our offer, including staff benefits, our People Plan and what our staff say about working with us, can be found in the supporting documents attached.

Safeguarding statement

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to undergo safer recruitment checks, including enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and any other pre-employment checks relevant to their role.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive working culture that reflects our Trust's ethos of being 'Stronger Together.' The Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. It aims to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

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