Catering Assistant (Maternity Cover)

As a Catering Assistant you will work within our Central Catering team, supporting the activities of our boarding houses. In particular you will help to provide a full dining service during house meals, assist with Chambers and Messing teas, support the chef team with food preparation and food presentation, and undertake the required cleaning in the kitchen and dining areas of the house. You will also work during a variety of house functions throughout the year providing kitchen support and waiting services as necessary.

This is a Maternity Cover to finish no later than end of May 2026.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Ensuring that the kitchen, service areas and dining areas are clean and tidy, and at the standard of cleanliness required by statutory regulations and in line with the Service Level Agreements in place;
• Assisting the chef team with the preparation and presentation of meals and snacks, including meals for house functions and events;
• Setting up dining spaces in advance of meals and clearing away afterwards;
• Bringing food and beverages from the kitchen to the dining areas and either serving the meals or assisting pupils and guests to serve themselves (this will be dependent on the style of the meal and is under the direction of the Chef);
• Washing up crockery and cooking equipment;
• Cleaning fridges and store cupboards;
• Taking deliveries on behalf of the kitchen team when required;
• Providing waiting services as required;
• Providing support at a minimum of four House/School events per academic year (these are normally the Fourth of June celebrations, Leavers Lunch, St Andrews Day and Founders Feast). Please note, there is the opportunity to work at more events than those you are contracted to, for which you would receive additional pay;
• Inform the Dame and the House Master immediately if you have any concerns about a pupil so they can be effectively supported – for example, if they are not happy, seem unwell, are not eating at meal times, or you think they are being bullied;
• Delivering outstanding levels of customer service;
• Attend all mandatory food safety and health and safety staff training;
• Ensuring health and safety regulations are followed at all times;
• Undertaking any other duties as reasonably required;

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’;
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidential;
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following:

• A flexible approach to work and a ‘can do’ attitude;
• Great attention to detail and take pride in your work – you’re keen to deliver the highest possible standards and you understand the impact your work has on pupils who are away from home, especially pupils who have recently joined the College and who are in unfamiliar surroundings;
• Enjoy working as part of a team and you are happy to get stuck in and support your colleagues;
• Enjoy engaging with young people and you are keen to develop good professional relationships with the pupils, and you will always act in the pupils’ best interests;
• Have good verbal communication skills;
• Excellent punctuality and be well presented;
• Ideally, you will have worked in a similar role, however, this is not essential if you have the right attitude and you are keen to learn.

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, includingan 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme,a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds.We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help.Should you require anyreasonable adjustmentsto be made or facilitiesprovided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online searchand, where applicable, Prohibition checks.If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules.It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

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