At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve healthy school meals while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: Hampshire County Council is dedicated to promoting children's health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's nutrition while developing your skills in a friendly setting.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a strong team spirit and ability to thrive in a busy kitchen.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with no evenings or weekends, plus access to employee support services.
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Catering Assistant – Elson Infant School, Gosport – Ed Catering 621830 (W)
Job Reference:HCC621830
Hourly Rate: £12.56 per hour
Work Location: Elson Infant School, Gosport
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date:31st August 2025
Need a term time only job?
Come and join our team
We are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy team preparing and serving freshly prepared healthy, nutritious school meals as well as setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas. Our Catering Assistants work term time, during school hours.
It’s a rewarding job, and we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed, we have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and progress.
You’ll need to enjoy being part of a team, serving lunch on time is essential, so you must be able to cope in a busy environment and work well under pressure.
If you have experience of working in a catering environment that would be an advantage, but it’s not essential.
The Role:
Help prepare, cook and serve lunch to pupils following strict Hygiene and Safety rules. Carry out other kitchen tasks, including cleaning, setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas.
What you’ll do:
- Put away deliveries, rotate stock and carry out quantity, temperature and quality checks
- Follow specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
- Encourage the children to try a variety of food
- Make packed lunches for school trips
- Handle cash on occasions, following our strict guidelines
- Keep to HC3S and Hampshire County Council health and safety, food safety and hygiene procedures
You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong team player
- Ability to work in a busy fast paced environment
- Ability to cope with physical element of the job
- Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures
What we offer:
- Term-time only working– no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
- A friendly supportive team environment withongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
- The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing
- Full training and opportunities to progress
- A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
- Interest free travel loans and discounts.
- Employee Support Services.
- Family friendly policies.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
If you’d like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.
Tracey Reddington-Gauld, District Manager, on 07590305119
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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Catering Assistant - Elson Infant School, Gosport - Ed Catering 621830 (W) employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Elson Infant School, Gosport - Ed Catering 621830 (W)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Catering Assistant in a school setting. Understanding the importance of hygiene, safety, and portion control will help you stand out during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm for working with children and contributing to their health and wellbeing. Highlight any previous experience you have in similar environments, even if it's not directly related to catering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure and work in a fast-paced environment. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed busy situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the contact person, Tracey Reddington-Gauld, for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Elson Infant School, Gosport - Ed Catering 621830 (W)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Catering Assistant. Highlight key skills such as teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and experience in a catering environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience and skills that align with the job. Emphasise any previous roles in catering or food service, even if they were informal or voluntary.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the importance of healthy meals for children. Mention your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and your commitment to hygiene and safety standards.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a catering role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your excitement about the role and working in a school environment. Highlight your passion for preparing healthy meals and how you enjoy being part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role requires strong teamwork, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous jobs. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food safety, hygiene, and handling cash. Brush up on relevant guidelines and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance in a busy kitchen setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team collaborates during busy lunch periods.