School Catering Assistant

PK Education; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rates

Weekly pay

School-friendly daytime hours

Flexible working opportunities

Consultant support

Job summary

PK Education Facilities & Support is looking for School Catering Assistants to support primary, secondary and SEN schools across Sheffield. You will help prepare and serve nutritious meals while maintaining excellent hygiene standards and assisting busy kitchen teams.

This flexible, term-time role offers daytime hours like 9:00am–2:00pm with bank assignments and short-term cover. Catering experience and a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification are welcome.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene / Food Safety—qualification or willingness to complete.
• Experience in catering, hospitality, or kitchen support.
• Understanding of food hygiene, safe handling and allergen awareness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals for pupils and staff.
• Assist with basic food preparation (washing, peeling, chopping).
• Support school cooks and catering managers during busy service periods.
• Serve meals in a friendly, efficient manner and follow portion guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas.

Skills

Food hygiene

Food safety

Communication

Reliability

Punctuality

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene / Food Safety

Job description

School Catering Assistant – Sheffield

Flexible Term-Time Opportunities | Monday to Friday | School-Friendly Hours

Good Food, Happy Pupils & a Job That Makes a Difference!

At PK Education Facilities & Support, we know that a great school day isn't just about what's happening in the classroom – it's also about the hardworking people making sure pupils are happy, healthy and well-fed!

We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable and friendly School Catering Assistants to join our growing Facilities & Support team, supporting primary, secondary and SEN schools across Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

Whether you've worked in a school kitchen, café, restaurant, care home or another catering environment, your skills could make a real difference to a school community.

If you enjoy working with food, being part of a team and making people smile, we'd love to hear from you!

Your Role – More Than Just Serving Lunch!

As a School Catering Assistant, you'll be an important part of the school's catering team, helping prepare and serve nutritious meals while maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards.

• Assisting with the preparation of fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and school staff.
• Preparing ingredients, including washing, peeling, chopping and basic food preparation.
• Supporting school cooks and catering managers during busy meal services.
• Serving meals in a friendly, welcoming and efficient manner.
• Following portion control guidelines and supporting dietary and allergen requirements.
• Setting up dining areas, serving counters and kitchen equipment.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness across kitchen and dining areas.
• Washing and sanitising utensils, equipment, trays and work surfaces.
• Following food hygiene, COSHH and health and safety procedures.
• Assisting with stock rotation, food storage and deliveries.
• Working alongside the wider catering team to ensure smooth daily operations.

Working Hours & Flexibility

School catering offers a fantastic opportunity to work sociable daytime hours while supporting local schools.

• Monday to Friday, term-time opportunities.
• Daytime shifts: Typically 9:00am/10:00am – 2:00pm/2:30pm.
• Flexible bank assignments and short-term cover.
• Potential regular and longer-term school placements.
• Opportunities across primary, secondary and specialist schools.
• Working hours will vary depending on school requirements and your availability.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Previous experience in catering, hospitality, food preparation or kitchen support.
• A Level 2 Food Hygiene/Food Safety qualification, or willingness to complete the relevant training.
• An understanding of food hygiene, safe food handling and allergen awareness.
• A friendly, positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in!
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a busy kitchen team.
• Reliability, punctuality and pride in maintaining high standards.
• An Enhanced DBS certificate, ideally on the Update Service, or willingness to complete the necessary safeguarding checks.
• Previous school catering experience is desirable but not essential! We welcome candidates with transferable experience from cafés, restaurants, hotels, care homes and other catering environments.

Why Join PK Education Facilities & Support?

We believe the people preparing and serving school meals deserve just as much recognition as those working in the classroom.

When you join our team, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive hourly rates with weekly pay.
• School-friendly daytime hours that can fit around family commitments.
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability.
• Opportunities for regular bookings and longer-term school placements.
• Dedicated consultant support from a friendly, approachable team.
• Access to relevant online training and professional development.
• Staff recognition and appreciation because your hard work matters!

Ready to Serve Up Something Special?

If you're passionate about food, enjoy working with people and want a rewarding role where your contribution genuinely matters, we'd love to hear from you!

Because behind every great school lunch is a brilliant catering team