At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while supporting pupils' wellbeing during mealtimes.
- Company: Belmont Secondary School, a nurturing environment for boys with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a rewarding school environment.
- Qualifications: Catering qualifications and a passion for working with children.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a 'Great Place to Work' environment.
The predicted salary is between 13000 - 13000 £ per year.
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Location: Belmont Secondary School, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RX
Salary: £13,000.90 per annum / £13.25 per hour
Hours: 22 hours per week | Monday to Friday TBC
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
This role does not offer sponsorship. All applications must be completed IN FULL.
Mealtimes matter. They provide structure, comfort, and a sense of routine for our pupils, including those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Belmont Schools offer a rewarding role where your work has a direct and positive impact on pupilsā daily school experience.
This is far more than a traditional kitchen role. As a Kitchen Assistant, youāll be a key part of pupilsā daily experience, supporting their wellbeing and enjoyment of school life. Working alongside the Kitchen Manager, you will:
- Prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety
- Ensure dietary and allergen requirements are carefully met
- Support lunchtime supervision, helping create a calm, friendly, and welcoming dining environment
Every smile, every calm lunchtime, and every plate served contributes to a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.
Weāre looking for someone who is friendly, reliable, and passionate about working in a school environment. Youāll ideally have:
- Relevant catering or hospitality qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ)
- A Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- Confidence and fluency in spoken English
- A positive, enthusiastic approach and a genuine interest in working with children
- The ability to work well as part of a team while following health and safety procedures
Belmont Secondary School is an independent specialist school for boys aged 11ā18 with SEMH needs. We provide a trauma-informed, nurturing environment where every pupil feels safe and supported. Small classes, personalised pathways, and on-site therapeutic support help pupils build confidence, resilience, and life skills. Our curriculum combines academic, vocational, and creative opportunities to prepare pupils for a successful future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young peopleās lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are proud to be recognised as a āGreat Place to Workā for the sixth year running (2025).
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks, and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits include:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- āYour Wellbeing Mattersā ā mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme, and more
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Kitchen Assistant in Rawtenstall employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Rawtenstall
āØTip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Belmont Secondary School and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the pupils' lives.
āØTip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge during the interview process.
āØTip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork, food safety, and working with children. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
āØTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youāre serious about joining the team at Belmont Schools and making a positive impact on the pupilsā lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Rawtenstall
Some tips for your application š«”
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so donāt be afraid to show your passion for working with children and your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that relate to the kitchen assistant role, especially those that show your ability to work in a school environment.
Follow Instructions: Itās super important to complete the application in full as per our guidelines. Double-check that youāve included all necessary information and documents, as incomplete applications might not make it through the first round!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itās the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, youāll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
āØKnow Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Kitchen Assistant at Belmont Secondary School entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like preparing nutritious meals and maintaining hygiene standards. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
āØShow Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine interest in working with children and supporting their wellbeing. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating a positive dining environment. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
āØHighlight Relevant Qualifications
If you have any catering or hospitality qualifications, such as a City & Guilds or NVQ, be sure to mention them. Also, discuss your Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. This shows that youāre not just qualified but also serious about food safety and hygiene.
āØTeam Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. The role involves collaborating with the Kitchen Manager and other staff, so share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. This will show that you can contribute positively to the school environment.