Kitchen Assistant - Orchard Vale Community School (Harbour Schools Partnership)

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard Vale Community Primary School is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to support the lunchtime dining hall and kitchen operations. You will help deliver a safe, positive and high-quality lunchtime experience for pupils.

You will assist with supervision, food service, cleaning and maintenance, while upholding hygiene standards and a welcoming, friendly manner in a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• Must have practical kitchen skills for a busy school environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally with pupils, staff and visitors.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Awareness of health and safety in a kitchen and dining hall.
• Must be able to perform manual handling and cleaning tasks safely.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lunchtime supervision and support pupils as required.
• Help with day-to-day running of the kitchen and dining hall.
• Serve food and maintain high standards of cleanliness and customer service.
• Encourage good table manners and assist children with cutlery when needed.
• Clean tables, chairs, trolleys, counters, floors and kitchen equipment.

Skills

Practical kitchen skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Health & safety awareness

Manual handling

Education

Basic food hygiene certificate

Job description

Orchard Vale Community Primary School are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our school team. This is a key role supporting the smooth running of both the kitchen and dining hall, ensuring pupils receive a safe, positive and high quality lunchtime experience.

About the Role

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in delivering an efficient, friendly and hygienic school catering service.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with lunchtime supervision and supporting pupils as required
• Helping with the day to day running of the kitchen and dining hall
• Serving food and ensuring high standards of customer satisfaction
• Encouraging good table manners and assisting children with cutlery when needed
• Cleaning tables, chairs, trolleys, counters, floors and kitchen equipment

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who brings enthusiasm, reliability and a positive attitude to their work.

• Strong practical skills suited to a busy, hands on kitchen environment
• Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with pupils, staff and visitors
• A "can do" attitude, strong teamwork skills and good interpersonal qualities
• Ability to recognise minor issues and escalte concerns appropriately
• Physical ability to carry out manual handling and cleaning tasks safely

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience in a similar role or relevant personal interest
• Basic IT understanding for simple administrative tasks
• Industry relevant training or qualifications

Why Join Us?

As part of The Harbour Schools Partnership, you'll be joining a supportive and inclusive community that values teamwork, quality service and a positive environment for both staff and pupils.

If you're friendly, hardworking and passionate about contributing to a well run, welcoming school environment, we'd love to hear from you

This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Successful applicants will be subject to an online search.

The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage. Closing date: 12 noon on 10th November 2026

Interviews: w/c 16th November 2026

Kitchen Assistant - Orchard Vale Community School (Harbour Schools Partnership) Devon, UK