At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious food and maintain a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding team at Barking Abbey or Eastbrook School.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, on-site parking, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for extra paid work during events.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while working in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills and a desire to succeed.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Casual Kitchen / Catering Assistant (This role is for Barking Abbey School or Eastbrook School) 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day term time only (8am - 12pm, 7am - 11am or 11am - 3pm) Commencing: September 2026 Salary Scale: Scale 2 Point 3-4
Join Our Team as a Casual Kitchen / Catering Assistant at Barking Abbey School or Eastbrook School! We are looking for motivated and passionate Kitchen Assistants who will be at the heart of our school, working as part of our catering team delivering an outstanding food provision across the school. You will join a team that takes a real pride in what they do and who are passionate about providing outstanding service to meet the needs of the whole school community.
Opportunity to work in the holidays may be agreed subject to the needs of the school and individual appointed for training and preparation for the new terms, this would be paid as overtime. Opportunity to also undertake additional paid hours to support events and cover team absences.
About Us
Barking Abbey School is an Ofsted Outstanding, heavily over‑subscribed secondary school located in Barking, East London. We have a well‑deserved reputation for academic excellence and a supportive professional environment. Our school celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We have a partnership with Eastbrook School in Dagenham and are expanding our teams to support both schools to ensure that we can deliver an excellent school experience for our community’s young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing delicious, high‑quality food that delights our students & staff
- Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of the kitchen and surrounding areas
- Ensuring the correct use of all machinery and equipment at all times
- Assisting with the loading or unloading of deliveries and storing away
- Representing the school and maintaining a positive brand image
- Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
- Complying with Health & Safety regulations
Ideal Candidate
- Demonstrate an ability to manage pressure, prioritise tasks and communicate effectively at all levels
- Be an excellent team player
- Have a committed and organised approach
- Have a desire to succeed in your role
- Possess the ability to work under pressure
- Be flexible to work occasional out‑of‑hours school events, you will be paid for working these
- Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
Benefits
- On site parking
- Professional Development opportunities
- A supportive and friendly work environment
- A supportive and encouraging staff team
- The opportunity to access a wide range of CPD opportunities within and beyond school
- A school which understands the importance of staff well‑being and workload management
- A positive ethos with excellent behaviour reinforced by highly visible SLT and centralised behaviour systems
Barking Abbey and Eastbrook School celebrates its diversity, and we positively welcome applications from all sections of the community. If you are interested in making a difference in young people’s lives whatever your background or history please apply.
Barking Abbey and Eastbrook School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process, including Disclosure check, will be undertaken on all successful applicants. Online searches may be conducted for all shortlisted candidates and will be conducted for all successful candidates as part of our due diligence checks.
Kitchen/Catering Assistant (Barking Abbey School or Eastbrook School) employer: Eastbrook School
Eastbrook School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. Located in the vibrant Greater London area, the school fosters a supportive community where Teaching Assistants can thrive in a flexible environment, contributing to meaningful pupil relationships and inclusive practices. With a strong commitment to staff wellbeing and manageable workloads, Eastbrook School offers a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen/Catering Assistant (Barking Abbey School or Eastbrook School)
✨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 Eastbrook School 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/Catering Assistant (Barking Abbey School or Eastbrook School)
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 Eastbrook School 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 Eastbrook School.
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 Eastbrook School get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastbrook School
✨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 Eastbrook School 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.
