School Catering Assistant

Compass Community; Blaxhall; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Community is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead the school's catering service in Blaxhall. You will plan nutritious menus, manage stock, and ensure compliance with government nutrition guidelines and food safety policies.

You'll oversee staff recruitment and training, maintain high hygiene standards, and safeguard pupil wellbeing while delivering cost-effective, high-quality meals for pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety (or NVQ equivalent).
• GCSE or equivalent level in English and maths.
• Experience of working in a school kitchen or equivalent.
• Experience of menu planning and pricing.
• Experience of recording and managing stock.
• Experience working with young people and those with SEMH.
• Experience of writing and presenting reports (e.g. financial reports, incident reports).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards.
• Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance.
• Negotiate best-value contracts with authorised suppliers to ensure cost effectiveness.
• Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess supply and adhere to the catering budget.
• Cater to special dietary requirements and ensure allergy information is communicated and labelled.
• Ensure compliance with catering standards legislation and the school’s policies; keep kitchen and dining areas clean and hygienic.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained according to schedule; arrange repairs within budget.
• Supervise catering staff, assist in recruitment and induction.
• Safeguard pupils by following safeguarding guidance and school policies.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Culinary skills

Literacy

Numeracy

Multitasking

Organization

Customer service

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Main purpose

To provide a high-quality catering service which supports the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This includes meeting school catering and health and safety standards.

Duties and responsibilities

Meal planning and provision

• Oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards
• Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance
• Negotiate best-value contracts with authorised suppliers to ensure the cost effectiveness of the catering service
• Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess supply and adhere to the catering budget
• Cater to special dietary requirements and ensure that allergy information is effectively communicated and labelled

Health and safety

• Ensure compliance with school catering standards legislation and the school’s food safety policy, health and safety policy, and allergens policy
• Ensure that the kitchen and dining area are kept clean and hygienic
• Ensure that kitchen equipment is used safely and according to operating manuals
• Ensure that kitchen and catering equipment is maintained according to the maintenance schedule
• Arrange for all necessary repairs to be carried out to ensure the safe running of kitchen equipment and remove any faulty equipment pending repairs. Where repair or replacement exceeds the agreed budget, discuss this with the Headteacher
• Ensure that catering staff are adhering to proper hygiene procedures, including wearing the correct uniform
• Record all accidents and incidents

Other areas of responsibility

Staff appointments

• Assist in the recruitment and selection of catering staff
• Carry out induction and training for new staff members

Safeguarding

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

Person specification

Qualifications And Training

Level 3 Food Safety (or NVQ equivalent)

GCSE or equivalent level in English and maths

Experience

• Experience of working in a school kitchen or equivalent
• Experience of menu planning and pricing
• Experience of recording and managing stock
• Experience working with young people and those with SEMH
• Experience of writing and presenting reports (e.g. financial reports, incident reports)

Skills and knowledge

• Wide knowledge of culinary production and strong culinary skills

Knowledge Of Legislative Requirements For

• School catering
• An understanding of the routines and challenges of catering in a school environment
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a stressful environment
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Strong customer service skills

Personal qualities

• Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with colleagues, pupils and staff
• Commitment to promoting the ethos and values of the school
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Commitment to safeguarding pupil wellbeing and equality
• Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference to children and young people

About You

About Us

Not Specified