School Kitchen Assistant

Reed; Ryton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Reed is seeking a School Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation, serving, and hygiene in a school dining area in Ryton, UK. This temporary, term-time role runs Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm, helping ensure food safety and a welcoming dining environment for pupils and staff.

You will work as part of a small team, assist with stock, cleanliness, and temperature checks, and follow COSHH and health and safety procedures. Previous catering experience is desirable but not essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of basic food hygiene standards.
• Ability to work in a busy environment and remain organised.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Desirable: Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or 2).
• Desirable: Knowledge of allergen awareness and dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with menus and dietary requirements.
• Prepare ingredients including washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning food.
• Support the serving of meals to pupils, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at the correct temperature.
• Assist in the replenishment of food and drink supplies during service.
• Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, work surfaces, and storage areas.
• Wash dishes, trays, cutlery, and cookware using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.
• Dispose of waste safely and ensure recycling procedures are followed where applicable.
• Adhere to all food safety, health and safety, and school policies and procedures.
• Follow COSHH regulations when handling cleaning chemicals.
• Report any maintenance issues, hazards, or equipment faults to the Catering Manager.
• Assist in maintaining accurate food temperature and cleaning records.
• Assist with the delivery, storage, and rotation of stock.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and food items are used within date guidelines.
• Inform supervisors when supplies are running low.
• Promote positive behaviour and a welcoming dining environment.
• Support pupils during meal service where required.
• Be aware of food allergies, dietary requirements, and special meal provisions.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Food hygiene

Time management

Organisation

Customer service

Allergen awareness

Health and safety compliance

Reliability and punctuality

Job description

School Kitchen Assistant

Job Title

Reports To

School Cook / Catering Manager

This is a temporary role. Hours Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm.

Job Purpose

To support the efficient operation of the school kitchen by assisting with food preparation, serving meals, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The role contributes to providing a safe, healthy, and welcoming dining experience for pupils and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Assist with the preparation of meals, snacks, and beverages in accordance with menus and dietary requirements.
• Prepare ingredients including washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning food.
• Support the serving of meals to pupils, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure food is presented attractively and served at the correct temperature.
• Assist in the replenishment of food and drink supplies during service.

Kitchen Hygiene & Cleaning

• Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, work surfaces, and storage areas.
• Wash dishes, trays, cutlery, and cookware using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in line with Food Hygiene Regulations.
• Dispose of waste safely and ensure recycling procedures are followed where applicable.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all food safety, health and safety, and school policies and procedures.
• Follow COSHH regulations when handling cleaning chemicals.
• Report any maintenance issues, hazards, or equipment faults to the Catering Manager.
• Assist in maintaining accurate food temperature and cleaning records.

Stock & Supplies

• Assist with the delivery, storage, and rotation of stock.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and food items are used within date guidelines.
• Inform supervisors when supplies are running low.

Supporting Pupils

• Promote positive behaviour and a welcoming dining environment.
• Support pupils during meal service where required.
• Be aware of food allergies, dietary requirements, and special meal provisions.

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of basic food hygiene standards.
• Ability to work in a busy environment and remain organised.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a catering, kitchen, school, or hospitality environment.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or Level 2).
• Knowledge of allergen awareness and dietary requirements.
• Experience working with children or within an educational setting.

Key Skills

• Food preparation
• Food service
• Kitchen cleaning and maintenance
• Food hygiene and safety
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Organisation
• Customer service
• Allergen awareness
• Health and safety compliance

Working Conditions

• Term-time working
• Standing for extended periods.
• Manual handling of kitchen equipment and supplies.
• Use of commercial kitchen equipment and cleaning products.