Kitchen Assistant (Catering)

Northern Education Trust; Ryton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free flu vaccinations

Free onsite parking

High quality CPD

LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Northern Education Trust's Thorp Academy is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to support our catering team in delivering high-standard meal services to students and staff. You will help with food preparation, hygiene, equipment handling and general kitchen duties, in a role that values safety and teamwork.

You'll work with a dedicated trust team, with opportunities for professional development, including leadership pathways and LGPS benefits, and access to staff wellbeing resources.

Qualifications

• Food handling and hygiene awareness.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Willingness to participate in training and development.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Undertake basic food preparation to support effective meal service delivery.
• Hygiene & Maintenance: Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and surrounding work areas.
• Equipment Handling: Ensure the correct and safe use of all kitchen machinery and equipment.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Strictly comply with all health and safety procedures and standards.
• Deliveries: Assist as and when required with the loading or unloading of deliveries and supply vehicles.
• General Support & Training: Complete required training courses, participate in Trust meetings/working groups as needed, and carry out other general duties as reasonably requested.

Job description

Northern Education Trust, Thorp Academy is seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Assistant to join our catering team at the Academy. You will play an essential role in supporting the daily operations of the kitchen and helping to deliver a high-standard meal service to our students and staff. The successful candidate will assist with food preparation, handling, and storage, while maintaining the kitchen, associated working areas, and equipment to the highest standards of cleanliness. Key Responsibilities for the role are:

• Food Preparation: Undertake basic food preparation to support effective meal service delivery.
• Hygiene & Maintenance: Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchens and surrounding work areas.
• Equipment Handling: Ensure the correct and safe use of all kitchen machinery and equipment.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Strictly comply with all health and safety procedures and standards.
• Deliveries: Assist as and when required with the loading or unloading of deliveries and supply vehicles.
• General Support & Training: Complete required training courses, participate in Trust meetings/working groups as needed, and carry out other general duties as reasonably requested.
  The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
• The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
• A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
• A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.

Employee benefits

• Free flu vaccinations
• Free onsite parking
• High quality continuous professional development
• Occupational sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests. The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.