At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering high-quality meals in a vibrant school canteen and café.
- Company: Join Ark Putney Academy, a diverse and inclusive school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous pension, and access to exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and a friendly, professional attitude required.
About The Role
We are currently recruiting for a Catering Assistant to join our catering team. You will assist the delivery of a consistent, high-quality meal service in our student canteen and staff/sixth form café. The role will include all aspects of food preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene and other duties associated with the running of the kitchen and café.
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience of working in a busy kitchen
- Have experience of catering in large quantities within a school setting, desirable
- Possess a professional outlook
- Be a team player who can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative
- Be friendly, calm and approachable, even under pressure
- Have a robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and an understanding of how and when to take appropriate action
Benefits:
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
- Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Catering Assistant employer: ARK PUTNEY ACADEMY
Ark Putney Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, competitive salaries, and generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme and access to employee assistance programmes, we foster an environment where team collaboration and individual initiative thrive. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Wandsworth, our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee can contribute meaningfully to our mission of educating young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ark Putney Academy and its catering team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your experience! When you're in the interview, share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in busy kitchen environments. We want to hear about those times you kept calm under pressure!
✨Tip Number 3
Be friendly and approachable! Remember, this role is all about teamwork and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Let your personality shine through in your interactions with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Ark Putney Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in busy kitchens or catering settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Catering Assistant, so don’t hold back!
Be Professional and Approachable:In your application, convey your professional outlook and friendly nature. We’re looking for team players who can stay calm under pressure, so let us know how you embody these traits.
Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative:We love candidates who can work collaboratively but also take the initiative when needed. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or taken charge in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our catering team.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK PUTNEY ACADEMY
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your food preparation and kitchen hygiene knowledge. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in busy kitchens, especially in a school setting. Highlight any specific tasks you’ve handled, like large quantity catering or maintaining cleanliness.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in the past, especially under pressure. This will show that you can contribute positively to the catering team.
✨Be Approachable and Friendly
Since you'll be interacting with students and staff, it’s crucial to convey a friendly and calm demeanour. Think of instances where you’ve maintained a positive attitude in challenging situations, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and why they are important in a school environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle any concerns regarding student welfare, showing that you take this responsibility seriously.