School Catering Assistant

Compass Community Limited; Woodbridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Community Limited is seeking a dedicated Catering Manager to oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines. You will plan menus, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with food safety and safeguarding policies.

You will lead a team, recruit and train staff, monitor stock, and build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, while maintaining confidentiality and promoting the ethos of the school.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety qualification or NVQ equivalent.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Experience in school kitchen or similar setting.
• Experience in menu planning and pricing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with guidelines.
• Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance.
• Negotiate best-value contracts with suppliers and manage the catering budget.
• Maintain hygiene, health and safety, and allergens policies.
• Assist in recruitment and induction of catering staff.
• Promote safeguarding and confidentiality within the team.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Stock management

Menu planning

Staff training

Health & safety

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

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:
• 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
• 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