Catering Assistant in Bristol

Location: Bristol, South Gloucestershire

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 22.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 2pm), term time only to include INSET days (39 weeks).

Salary: Grade 14, £24,413 FTE per annum (Actual Salary based on weeks worked and hours: £12,769.34 p.a.)

Closing Date: 12/02/2026

Interview Date: 13/02/2026

The Role:

We are looking for someone to enhance our kitchen team to undertake a range of responsibilities such as food preparation, allergen labelling, and general cleaning duties. You will be part of a wonderful and supportive team under the daily supervision of the Catering Manager. We are looking for someone who can communicate well with children and adults, loves a busy work environment, and has a joyful outlook.

The successful candidate will:

• Ideally have experience of working in a school kitchen environment but this is not essential.
• Support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service.
• Assist in the promotion of healthy eating.
• Be flexible and able to adapt to ensure a smooth running of our lunch service.
• Maintain a calm and consistent approach to working with the children.
• Communicate well with children, other staff, and lead professionals.
• Share the school’s vision and values.
• Have a patient, empathetic, and conscientious nature and be committed to providing the best care and service for our children.
• Possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team.

Fluency Duty:

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents, and other users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

The School and Trust:

Staple Hill Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, a family comprising 17 schools (13 primary, 2 junior, and 2 infant schools), all united in our common goal of creating outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in our local communities.

We can offer you:

• A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a dedicated and hard-working staff team.
• Professional Growth: We are committed to staff development and offer excellent CPD opportunities. Staff can also take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, allowing for practical experience and personal growth.
• Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 17 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
• Employee Wellbeing: We prioritise your wellbeing with an annual Wellbeing Day, active Wellbeing Committees, and access to a comprehensive medical benefits package — including physiotherapy, nursing support, surgical assistance, counselling, mental health services, and stress coaching. We’re committed to a healthy work-life balance and listen to staff through regular wellbeing surveys.
• Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and discount retail platform to help you save money on various purchases.

We encourage you to browse our respective websites for more information about Staple Hill Primary School and The Leaf Trust.

How to Apply:

All applicants are advised to refer to the candidate information pack, which includes the job description and specification, before submitting an application. If you feel that your skills and experience match the requirements of this post then please submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability for the role. In order to do so, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CVs.

Safeguarding Statement:

The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment practices, suitability to work with children and young people will be assessed during the selection process. All appointments are subject to comprehensive vetting, including an enhanced DBS check, employment and reference checks, and an online search.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.