At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving meals while ensuring a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Birch Hill Primary School, a vibrant community school dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make lunchtime enjoyable for pupils.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills; catering experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Birch Hill Primary School is seeking a reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking catering assistant to join our catering team to cover a maternity leave. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy school environment and is committed to providing a high-quality catering service for our pupils and colleagues.
The successful candidate will support the preparation and serving of meals, help maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment and contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for all pupils.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a positive and flexible approach to work
- Works well as part of a team
- Has good communication and interpersonal skills
- Can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Understands the importance of hygiene, food safety and health and safety requirements
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation and serving of food and drinks
- Set up and clear away dining areas
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen and dining areas
- Wash utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment
- Support stock rotation and storage procedures
- Follow food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures at all times
- Provide a friendly and welcoming service to pupils, colleagues and visitors
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be dependable, organised and able to work effectively within a team. Previous catering or kitchen experience would be beneficial, although training will be provided for the right candidate. A commitment to delivering a high-quality service and supporting the wider school community is essential.
Birch Hill Primary School (BHP) is a two-form entry community school serving the Birch Hill and Hanworth areas of Bracknell Forest. In addition to the main school, we offer a nursery and a specialist resource provision for children with ASD and MLD.
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
- Staff wellbeing and professional development: wide range of opportunities and schemes
- Pension Scheme: generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual Leave: generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
- ME Day: one additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
- Professional Development: extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
- Hybrid Working: flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
- Perkbox: discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
- Wellbeing and Health: free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and discount schemes
- Mental Health First Aid Support
- Recognition and Community: celebrating achievements and milestones across the Trust
- Employee Referral Scheme
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Catering Assistant employer: Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery
Birch Hill Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development opportunities, and a focus on creating a positive experience for both staff and pupils, this role as a Catering Assistant provides a meaningful way to contribute to the school community while enjoying generous benefits and a collaborative team culture.
Contact Details:
Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Birch Hill Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork, hygiene, and food safety. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence and get comfortable with your responses.
✨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 the team at Birch Hill Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for working in a school environment shine through. We want to see that you're excited about the role and ready to contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for our pupils.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have direct catering experience, mention any roles where you've worked in a team or fast-paced environment. We value your ability to adapt and learn, so share any skills that could be beneficial in this role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our catering team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards. Familiarise yourself with basic kitchen equipment and procedures, as this will show that you’re serious about the role and understand the importance of maintaining a safe environment.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a busy school kitchen, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different situations, as this will demonstrate your flexibility and positive approach.
✨Bring Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for providing a great service shine through during the interview. Talk about why you enjoy working in catering and how you can contribute to creating a positive lunchtime experience for pupils and staff alike.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the school promotes a safe and welcoming environment. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged with the role.
