At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve delicious meals for students in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the passionate catering team at Cottage Grove Primary School.
- Benefits: 20 hours a week, term time only, with a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to grow in the catering industry while enjoying a vibrant school setting.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' health while developing your catering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and a good understanding of hygiene standards.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
Gateway Central Services is seeking to appoint a Kitchen Assistant to join our passionate and enthusiastic catering team at Cottage Grove Primary School in producing high quality and healthy meals for breakfast, snack time, lunch and the occasional function. This role offers 20 hours per week, 9.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only plus INSET days). This is an excellent opportunity for a committed and enthusiastic colleague to play an important role in the preparation, cooking and service of meals for our school community. The successful candidate will support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service while contributing to a positive team environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Prepare, as directed by the Chef Manager or Lead Chef, the required number of food products, following specified menus
- Cook food ensuring all meals are ready on time
- Produce a range of food to ensure different dietary requirements are met
- Serve food following specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
- Receive deliveries, when directed by the Chef Manager or Lead Chef, carrying out quantity, temperature and quality checks
- Complete cleaning duties, following daily and weekly rotas, to ensure health and safety and hygiene standards are maintained
- Ensure health and safety and hygiene procedures are followed
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience of preparing and cooking food in a catering environment
- Has a good understanding of health and safety and hygiene procedures
- Works well as part of a team and can maintain a consistently fast pace during busy service periods
- Is organised, reliable and able to follow specified menus and procedures
- Demonstrates a positive and professional approach when serving pupils, staff and visitors
- Is committed to maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and service
- Upholds the school's safeguarding responsibilities
This role would suit someone looking to develop their catering skills and make a valuable contribution to the continued success of our catering team. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Gateway Central Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service.
Kitchen Assistant in Portsmouth employer: Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery
Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to fostering a positive culture, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in a vibrant community, this term-time position allows for a balanced work-life schedule while being part of a dedicated team that values each member's contributions.
Contact Details:
Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Portsmouth
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
