Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy school meals while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Hampshire County Council, dedicated to children's wellbeing.
- 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 while working in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Team player with a passion for food; catering experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, interest-free travel loans, and access to a pension scheme.
Catering Assistant – Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham – Ed Catering 622331 (W)
Job Reference: HCC622331
Salary Range: £12.56 per hour
Work Location: Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date: 23rd September 2025
Need a term time only job?
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
- 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.
Tracey Reddington-Gauld, District Manager, on 07590305119
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 - Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham - Ed Catering 622331 (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 - Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham - Ed Catering 622331 (W)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff or even reach out to Tracey Reddington-Gauld. A friendly chat can give you insights into the team culture and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! In your interview, share examples of how you've worked well in a busy environment. Highlighting your ability to stay calm under pressure will definitely impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss food safety! Brush up on hygiene and safety rules relevant to catering. They’ll appreciate your knowledge and commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lee on the Solent Infants.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Lee on the Solent Infants, Fareham - Ed Catering 622331 (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 love seeing how your background can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to answer any questions in the job description directly and avoid unnecessary fluff.
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 fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like food preparation, hygiene standards, and portion control. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this job requires being part of a busy team, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you've worked well with others, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your ability to collaborate will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing time during lunch service or dealing with dietary requirements. Practise your responses to these scenarios so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability under pressure.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
The role offers training and progression, so don’t hesitate to ask about these opportunities during the interview. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow within the company, which is something they value highly.