At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving meals while maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Benton House School, a new SEN school focused on supporting pupils with complex needs.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a fast-paced, rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable kitchen experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in home-cooked food preparation and a positive team attitude.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 £ per year.
As a Kitchen Assistant, you will support the Cook/Supervisor in preparing and serving meals, helping to deliver a safe, efficient and high-quality catering service for pupils and staff. You will play an important role in maintaining a clean, compliant kitchen environment and ensuring meals are produced in line with current food safety and hygiene standards.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals, including supporting special dietary requirements
- Support food preparation for on-site service and, where required, for other schools
- Clear and clean kitchen equipment, kitchen areas and dining spaces to a high standard
- Help maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, health and safety and cleanliness at all times
- Assist with stock awareness and report any shortages or issues promptly
- Record and report meal numbers, including any changes such as cancellations or additional meals
- Support the safe and timely service of meals during lunchtime, including supervising pupils in the dining area
- Report any behaviour concerns to teaching staff to support the school’s expectations
What You Will Bring
- Experience preparing home‑cooked food
- Willingness to undertake further training and development
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment
- Flexibility to respond calmly to short‑notice changes
- A positive, proactive approach and the ability to work well as part of a team
About the School
Benton House School is a brand-new SEN school for pupils with complex needs including SEMH. It is based in Newcastle and has capacity for 60 pupils aged 5‑14.
Benefits
- 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 and Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Kitchen Assistant employer: FirstGroup plc
Benton House School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and flexible benefits, staff can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a high-quality catering service in a brand-new facility in Newcastle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like FirstGroup plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to FirstGroup plc
Don't be shy about reaching out to FirstGroup plc directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about FirstGroup plc and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
