At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in a busy kitchen, serving meals and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Friendly primary school with a supportive team environment.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, term-time only, and food hygiene training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to a 5-star hygiene rated kitchen.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a difference in children's daily meals.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Location: St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England (Aided) Primary School, Brentwood, Brentwood.
Position Start Date: 02/09/2026
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 13/07/2026
Midday Date of Interviews: 15th & 16th July
Hours: 11:30am – 2pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (7.5 hours per week). 38 weeks of the year (term time, no INSET days).
About the role: Our kitchen is a friendly, supportive and very busy place, preparing and serving approximately 300 meals daily. The role involves assisting with kitchen duties and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Hand washing large kitchen pots and pans
- Helping to serve when necessary
- Stacking and emptying industrial‑sized dishwashers
- Daily cleaning to maintain our 5‑star hygiene rating standard
The successful candidate will work as part of a team, use their own initiative and be committed to maintaining our excellent standards. All food hygiene training will be provided.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the team and visit the kitchen on the day of the interview. In line with recommended practice, the school will conduct searches on shortlisted candidates of information that is publicly available online. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Catering Assistant in Maldon employer: Essex
St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School offers a nurturing and collaborative work environment for its Catering Assistants, where you will play a vital role in serving approximately 300 meals daily. With a strong commitment to hygiene and food safety, the school provides comprehensive training and fosters employee growth through teamwork and initiative. Located in Brentwood, this part-time position allows for a balanced work-life schedule during term time, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in a supportive community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Maldon
✨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 Essex 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 Catering Assistant in Maldon
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 Essex 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 Essex.
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 Essex get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨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 Essex 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.
