Plate Wash Assistant

Cranleigh School; Waverley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranleigh School is seeking a reliable kitchen assistant for Cranleigh Prep to keep a busy school kitchen clean, hygienic and well organised so meal services run smoothly. You will wash dishes, carry out deep cleans, assist with service for events, and follow hygiene procedures on a rota covering term-time meal services and occasional weekend shifts.

This role suits someone practical who can follow instruction and maintain high standards in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic hygiene practices and ability to follow hygiene procedures.

Responsibilities

• Wash and return all cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils and cooking equipment after meal services.
• Carry out deep cleaning tasks during close-down and non-term periods to maintain hygiene standards.
• Assist with setup, service and breakdown for school functions, events and hospitality when required.
• Keep work areas and equipment clean, safe and ready for use; report faults or hazards to the Chef Manager.
• Follow food hygiene, Health & Safety and school procedures and arrive for scheduled shifts.

Job description

School Cranleigh Prep Salary Competitive Working hours Full time Application Deadline Friday, October 16, 2026 Job Summary

This is a role for someone who takes pride in keeping a busy school kitchen clean, hygienic and well organised so meal services run smoothly. You will support the catering team by washing dishes and equipment, carrying out deep cleans during close-down periods and helping with service for events; the role suits a dependable, practical person who can follow hygiene procedures and work to a rota covering term-time meal services and occasional weekend shifts.

What you'll be doing

• Wash and return all cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils and cooking equipment after meal services (evening meal services plus breakfast and lunch when covering a shift).
• Carry out deep cleaning tasks during close-down and non-term periods to maintain hygiene standards.
• Assist with setup, service and breakdown for school functions, special events and hospitality when required.
• Keep work areas and equipment clean, safe and ready for use; report faults or hazards immediately to the Chef Manager.
• Follow food hygiene, Health & Safety and school procedures at all times, and arrive promptly for scheduled shifts.

If you prefer clear, practical work and take responsibility for keeping a catering area clean and safe, this role will suit you. The most important experience is familiarity with basic hygiene practices and a willingness to follow instruction and rota patterns.

About the team

You will report to the Chef Manager and join the Cranleigh Prep catering team, working alongside chefs and kitchen assistants to deliver daily meal services for pupils and staff and to support events and hospitality.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits.

For further details about the role, please see the job description below.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.

About us

Ex Cultu Robur – From Our Culture Comes Strength

Our motto defines every aspect of school life and the foundation of a career at Cranleigh.

Our Aims

• To empower our staff to be the best they can be so that they thrive in all aspects of their professional and personal lives.
• To inspire a dedicated community of professionals who think globally, act with integrity, and make courageous contributions to the running and success of our school.
• To nurture problem-solvers, creatives, and skilled communicators across all departments, valuing colleagues who model curiosity, generosity, and humility.

Our Ethos

• We are one school with two sites (Prep and Senior), united by a single, dedicated team.
• We are unapologetically ambitious for all our staff, providing the professional development, modern tools, and support needed to excel in every department.
• We believe every member of our team—whether working in the classroom, operations, administration, or support services—is capable of outstanding performance within the healthy, happy, and inclusive atmosphere we work so hard to maintain.
• We expect our team to bring passion to their roles, collaborate across departments, and engage constructively with feedback and growth.
• We work in partnership with colleagues to provide a balanced, supportive environment that nurtures personal responsibility and the well-being of every staff member.
• We set our people up for success. Whatever your role, expertise, or background, you will find a champion, a mentor, and a collaborative community at Cranleigh.

The Cranleigh Culture

From this culture, our staff find the strength to:

ASPIRE BOLDLYby setting ambitious goals, embracing operational and educational challenges, and striving for excellence. We champion curiosity, creativity, and a proactive appetite for problem-solving.

BE YOURSELFby bringing authenticity, self-awareness, and confidence to work every day. We value resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence across our entire workforce.

CARE FOR OTHERSby practicing kindness, empathy, and service. We foster a whole-school environment of deep respect, compassion, and true collaboration.

This is the spirit of Cranleigh.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this role, or wish to discuss please contact us by email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 01483 542128