At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve healthy school meals while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: Be part of a supportive team at Four Marks Primary, focused on children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, training opportunities, and a minimum of 24 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health while working in a fun, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Team player with the ability to thrive under pressure; catering experience is a plus.
- Other info: Access to employee discounts, interest-free travel loans, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC
Salary Range: £12.56 per hour
Work Location: Four Marks Primary School, Alton
Hours per week: Monday – Friday
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date: 16th 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.
The role
Help prepare, cook and serve lunch to pupils following strict Hygiene and Safety rules. Carry out other kitchen tasks, including cleaning, setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas.
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 physical element of the job
- Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures
Why join us?
- Comprehensive new starter induction programme
- 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
To find out more about us, visit our Education Catering work with us page Work with us | Education and learning | Hampshire County Council
You will also benefit from a healthy Our benefits package | Jobs and volunteering | Hampshire County Council package Including:-
- Uniform
- 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.
Additional Information:
Edcatering Catering Assistant
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.
Emma McGlennon – District Manager, on
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.
Catering Assistant - Four Marks Primary, Alton - EdCatering (East) 622487 employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Four Marks Primary, Alton - EdCatering (East) 622487
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! If you can, reach out to current staff or even the manager, Emma McGlennon. A quick chat can give you insights into the role and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! In your interviews, share examples of how you've worked well in a busy environment. They want someone who can keep up with the hustle and bustle of school lunchtimes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about food safety! Brush up on hygiene practices and be prepared to discuss how you would handle food preparation and safety in a kitchen setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Four Marks Primary.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Four Marks Primary, Alton - EdCatering (East) 622487
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!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you’ve got any experience in catering or working in a busy environment, make sure to mention it! Even if it’s not essential, it can give us a better idea of how you might fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to answer any questions directly and avoid unnecessary fluff. This helps us get to know you better!
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 the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what a Catering Assistant does at Four Marks Primary. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like preparing and serving meals, following hygiene rules, and working in a busy environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role requires being a strong team player, think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked well in a team. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and support your colleagues, especially during busy lunch hours.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
The job is term-time only, so emphasise your availability and willingness to work during school hours. If you have experience in catering or similar environments, mention it! Even if you don’t, express your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have a chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones about training opportunities, team dynamics, or how they ensure a supportive environment. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.