At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen crew to prepare and serve delicious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Palmer & Howells, a dynamic company focused on nutritious food and community.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour with flexible hours and opportunities for training and development.
- Other info: Great career growth potential with a focus on collaboration and culinary excellence.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in the school community.
- Qualifications: A passion for food and teamwork; training provided for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Job Reference: JGT/TP/76/8867
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Rate: £13 per hour
Working Hours: 20 hours per week
Weeks: 35 weeks per year
Location: Dulwich
Closing Date: 19/08/2026
About us: At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our staff are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.
This is a dynamic, hands-on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.
The Role: We are looking for a dedicated and energetic Catering Assistant to join our friendly team and help us deliver delicious, nutritious meals to our students and staff every day. This is a chance to be a vital part of the school community!
Key Responsibilities:
- Instil a strong sense of teamwork by collaborating closely with the kitchen and wider school team to prepare and serve freshly made, high-quality lunches for pupils and staff.
- Maintain a spotless and safe kitchen environment, strictly adhering to all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies.
- Work with speed and efficiency to manage the demands and service requirements during busy lunch periods.
- Prepare and complete food service requirements for special school occasions, including meetings, sports days, and other events.
- Deliver the highest quality of innovative, fresh, and delicious food and service to our pupils.
What you’ll need:
- A versatile, outgoing, and highly collaborative approach to working that aligns with our positive team values.
- A genuine interest in food preparation and cooking, with a desire to learn and contribute to nutritious menus.
- Basic knowledge of Health & Safety principles.
- A Food Safety Level 2 certificate is a bonus, but we will provide training for the right candidate!
- The ability to reliably work the listed hours and easily commute to the school location.
Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.
Safeguarding Commitment: Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Catering Assistant - James Allen Girls School employer: Grow and Thrive Limited
Aspens Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance, offering a Monday to Friday schedule during school term time, which means no late nights or weekends. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can advance your career in the catering industry while making a meaningful impact on young minds through our food services.
