At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare, cook, and serve delicious school meals while ensuring kitchen safety.
- Company: Firwood High School, a vibrant special school dedicated to supporting students with complex learning needs.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, term time only, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for personal growth in a nurturing educational setting.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a difference in students' lives through quality food.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
The predicted salary is between 29420 - 35958 £ per year.
Firwood High School is a successful 11-19 special school meeting the needs of children with complex learning difficulties. Trustees are looking to appoint a General Catering Assistant to prepare, cook and serve school meals and carry out general kitchen duties in accordance with food handling and preparation regulations, ensuring safe and proper use of the kitchen/catering equipment and materials provided.
Experience of general kitchen duties would be useful but not necessary to someone willing and keen to learn.
Contract: Part time and permanent.
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: Grade A, Actual Salary £8,891.
Working Hours: 15 hrs per week, Term Time only plus 5 days 11.00 am - 2.00 pm
Firwood is an exciting place to be and if you are a team player with a commitment to the highest quality provision for pupils with SEN then we would like to hear from you.
Closing Date for applications: Sunday 4th October 2026
Shortlisting: w/c 5th October 2026
Interview Date: w/c 12th October 2026
The school is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Assistant employer: Firwood Special School
Firwood Special School is an excellent employer that values its staff and fosters a supportive work culture. With flexible part-time hours, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the well-being of students through nutritious meal preparation. The school offers opportunities for personal growth and development within a dedicated team, making it a rewarding place to work in the heart of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨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 Firwood Special 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 Catering Assistant
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 Firwood Special 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 Firwood Special 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 Firwood Special School get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firwood Special 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 Firwood Special 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.
