At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our catering team to prepare meals and support students with special needs.
- Company: Meadow High School, a welcoming environment dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Ongoing support, professional development, free gym access, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time only, with opportunities for growth in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a passion for working with young people required.
The predicted salary is between 19763 - 20045 € per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: 28.75 hours per week, Term Time only (38 weeks)
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 08:30am - 2:15pm
Salary: Scale 3, £19,763 - £20,045 per annum (dependent upon experience) + SSA, £1,033 per annum
Start date: September 2026
Meadow High School is a special needs school, which provides education for secondary aged students aged 11-19 years with moderate and complex needs. Due to our expanding roll, an opportunity has arisen for a Catering Assistant to join our dedicated team of staff at our new Northwood Road (Harefield Village) site. Northwood Road is an additional site based in Harefield and will house up to 100 Pathway 1 pupils and will be ready for us to occupy in September 2026.
We are particularly interested in people who have experience of working with young people with ASD and complex learning difficulties. We are looking for a highly motivated person to become a member of our dedicated catering team. The candidate must be flexible, open to new challenges and be able to work effectively as part of a team. Recent experience of working in a kitchen environment is preferred, however training will be given to the right applicant. Applicants must either hold a Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to attend the relevant training course to obtain one.
Requirements
- Experience of working within a catering organisation. (Essential)
- Knowledge of Safety & Hygiene regulations 2013 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. (Essential)
- Knowledge of electrical and kitchen equipment, safety procedures and kitchen procedures. (Essential)
- Hold the appropriate food hygiene certification or willing to obtain this. (Essential)
- Ability to supervise members of staff, work as part of a team, and to organise a workload i.e. rotas. (Essential)
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in person and on the telephone. (Essential)
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. (Essential)
- Ability to prepare and produce meals to contract specifications. (Essential)
- Ability to communicate with members of staff and children. (Essential)
- Committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. (Essential)
Benefits
- A welcoming team environment with ongoing support.
- A commitment to your continued professional development.
- Free access to our on-site gym.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (Counselling, Information and Support).
- Opportunities for growth and development within an expanding SEN setting.
- Close to M40 & M25, easy access to Central London, close to several TFL Tube stations.
Meadow High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks. In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, we will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on the shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that may have happened, and are publicly available online, and which we may want to explore with candidates at interview.
Catering Assistant - Uxbridge employer: Crinkle Recruitment
Meadow High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and welcoming team environment dedicated to the professional development of its staff. With a focus on employee growth within a special needs setting, the school provides unique benefits such as free access to an on-site gym and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, all while being conveniently located near major transport links for easy access to Central London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Meadow High School and understand their commitment to safeguarding and supporting students with complex needs. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what it’s really like to work there, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Catering Assistant, especially in a special needs environment. Be ready to discuss your flexibility, teamwork skills, and any relevant kitchen experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people, especially those with ASD and complex needs. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous work in catering or similar environments. We want to know how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and knowledge of safety and hygiene regulations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us quickly understand why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crinkle Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safety and hygiene regulations, as well as kitchen procedures. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with ASD and complex learning difficulties, as this will show your commitment to their welfare.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in a catering environment, be ready to discuss your previous experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, especially in high-pressure situations, to demonstrate your ability to fit into their dedicated team.
✨Flexibility is Key
Highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges. The role requires adaptability, so be prepared to talk about times when you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or taken on additional responsibilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is essential, especially when working with young people. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think of examples where you've successfully communicated with both colleagues and students to ensure a smooth workflow.
