Kitchen Assistant

Sunderland City Council; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to work 10 hours per week during term time. Responsibilities include preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and serving meals while promoting healthy choices. Ideal candidates will be punctual, trustworthy, and able to work in a team. This permanent position emphasizes health and safety in accordance with local policies. Successful applicants will need a background check. Applications can be submitted via post or email., closing date is 13th February 2026.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Commitment to raising standards

Qualifications

• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to work both alone and as part of a team.
• Understanding of health and safety procedures.
• High personal expectations.
• Strong team player skills.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare foodstuffs and perform basic cooking.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and hall.
• Serve food while ensuring balanced choices.
• Support catering team during service.
• Promote healthy school agenda.

Skills

Time management

Teamwork

Health and safety awareness

Effective communication

Punctuality

Reliability

Trustworthiness

Job description

Overview

Kitchen Assistant

Hours: 10 hours per week (term time only)

Contract type: Permanent

Reporting to: Cook in Charge/School Business Manager

Salary: Grade 1 (and £24,796.00 - £25,185.00 pro rata to hours worked)

Post to commence as soon as possible

We are looking for someone who

• Is able to manage time effectively
• Is able to work both alone and in a team
• Has an awareness of health and safety procedures
• Has high expectations of themselves
• Is an excellent team player
• Is able to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations
• Punctual, reliable and trustworthy

Main Duties

Day to day supervision and allocation of duties will be determined by the Cook. General duties will be determined by the Head Teacher and will include:

• 1. Preparation of foodstuffs and basic cooking
• 2. Washing up and general kitchen duties
• 3. Cleaning of the kitchen according to established routines
• 4. Erecting and putting away tables and chairs in the hall at the start and end of the lunch break
• 5. Serving food ensuring that pupils are helped to make a balanced choice and that the correct portion control is made as per the National Nutritional Standards
• 6. Supporting the catering team during service
• 7. Cleaning the hall at the end of the lunch break
• 8. Cleaning the tables and chairs at the end of lunch break
• 9. Cleaning the kitchen, its surrounds and equipment
• 10. Following all health and safety laws and guidance and working within the food hygiene standards
• 11. Taking rubbish to the bins
• 12. Promoting the healthy school agenda and school initiatives
• 13. Undertaking training to support the job
• 14. To follow all school policies e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality etc. when undertaking the job
• 15. To undertake any reasonable duty at the request of the Head Teacher

As a School we can offer you

• A committed and dedicated staff that are driven to raising standards
• A very supportive working environment

The post holder must

• Act in compliance with the data protection principles in respecting the privacy of personal information held by the council
• Comply with the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to management of Council records and information
• Carry out their duties with full regard to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy, Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy and all other Council policies
• Comply with the Council’s Health and safety rules and regulations and Health and Safety Legislation

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Applications

Application forms will be available on the school web site: www.southwickprimary.co.uk or by sending a large stamped addressed envelope to the School Office. (Please ensure the correct postage is used)

Hard or electronic copies of the application form should be forwarded to
Southwick Community Primary School, Shakespeare Street, Southwick, SR5 2JX or [e-mail]

Closing Date: 13th February 2026 NOON

Shortlisting: 13th February 2026 PM

Interview dates to be arranged: W/C 16th February 2026

Visits

Visits by appointment only are actively encouraged and can be arranged by contacting school on 0191 500 9554

Note: This job description reflects the current role and may be revised as required.