At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy school meals while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Berrywood Primary School.
- Benefits: Earn £12.56 per hour, enjoy term-time work, and receive ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and wellbeing in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Team player with a willingness to learn; catering experience is a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, interest-free travel loans, and family-friendly policies.
Catering Assistant – Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End – Ed Catering 622588 (W)
Job Reference: HCC622588
Salary Range: £12.56 per hour
Work Location: Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End
Hours per week: 17:50 Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date: 31st October 2025
Need a term time only job?
Come and join our team
We are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy team preparing and serving freshly prepared healthy, nutritious school meals as well as setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas. Our Catering Assistants work term time, during school hours.
It’s a rewarding job, and we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed. We have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and progress.
You’ll need to enjoy being part of a team; serving lunch on time is essential, so you must be able to cope in a busy environment and work well under pressure.
If you have experience of working in a catering environment that would be an advantage, but it’s not essential.
What you’ll do:
- Put away deliveries, rotate stock and carry out quantity, temperature and quality checks
- Follow specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
- Encourage the children to try a variety of food
- Make packed lunches for school trips
- Handle cash on occasions, following our strict guidelines
- Keep to HC3S and Hampshire County Council health and safety, food safety and hygiene procedures
You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong team player
- Ability to work in a busy fast‑paced environment
- Ability to cope with the physical element of the job
- Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures
- Term‑time only working – no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
- A friendly supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
- The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing
- Full training and opportunities to progress
- A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
- Interest‑free travel loans and discounts
- Employee Support Services
- Family friendly policies
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
As part of the pre‑employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
If you’d like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.
Leanne Oliver‑Pulford, District Manager, on 07718146872
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Catering Assistant - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 622588 (W) employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 622588 (W)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Berrywood Primary School and its values. When you show genuine interest in the school and its mission during your interview, it’ll set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teamwork skills! Since being a strong team player is key for this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well with others. Share these stories during your interview to highlight your collaborative spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a busy environment! Prepare yourself for questions about how you handle pressure and fast-paced situations. Think of specific instances where you thrived under similar conditions and be ready to share them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for enthusiastic candidates like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 622588 (W)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and in a catering environment shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to be part of our team!
Tailor Your Experience: Even if you don’t have direct catering experience, highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you can thrive in a busy environment. We value teamwork and adaptability, so make sure to mention those qualities!
Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application guidelines. Make sure you include all required information and double-check for any specific instructions. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows you’re serious about joining us!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy once we have enough applications, so get yours in early through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Understand the importance of preparing and serving healthy meals, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive dining experience for the children.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, especially in busy environments. This role is all about teamwork, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling food safely and managing dietary requirements. Brush up on food safety practices and be prepared to discuss how you would encourage children to try new foods while adhering to portion control guidelines.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team handles busy lunch periods. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.