School Kitchen Assistant — Nourish Students, Safe Meals in Jarrow

At Crookhey Hall School, we know that great food plays a vital role in supporting young people to learn, grow and thrive. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and team-focused Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team - helping to create nutritious meals and a positive dining experience for our pupils every day.

Working closely with the Cook/Supervisor, you will support the preparation, cooking and serving of meals while ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness. From preparing fresh ingredients to supporting lunchtime service, you will play a key role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and creating a welcoming environment for pupils.

• Assisting with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals, including special dietary requirements
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across the kitchen and dining areas
• Supporting food preparation for both on-site and, where required, other school provisions
• Ensuring all food safety and health & safety regulations are followed at all times
• Helping manage stock levels and reporting any issues or shortages
• Supporting lunchtime supervision, helping pupils enjoy meals in a safe and positive environment
• Working collaboratively with staff across the school to maintain smooth daily operations

You will be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team where your contribution matters every day. Enjoy professional growth, make meaningful connections, and see the difference you make in a pupil's life.

• Is adaptable, organised and thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Works well as part of a team but can also use your own initiative
• Stays calm under pressure and approaches challenges positively
• Has strong communication skills and a proactive attitude
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety
• Is passionate about supporting young people and making a difference

Requirements:

• Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
• Good standard of education and/or catering experience
• Understanding of food preparation and kitchen hygiene (Level 2 Food Hygiene desirable)

Crookhey Hall School is a specialist SEMH school for boys and girls aged 10-17, set on a 15-acre countryside campus near Lancaster. We provide a structured, nurturing environment where pupils build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Small classes and personalised pathways support academic, vocational, and personal development. Our dedicated team helps pupils re-engage with learning and prepares them for independent, successful futures.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running. We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• 'Your Wellbeing Matters' - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.