At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and service while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at River Academy, a growing secondary school.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values growth, inclusion, and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by providing quality meals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or a willingness to learn; good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 9335 - 9335 £ per year.
River Academy is looking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join our catering team. Working under the direction of the Trust Catering Manager and the School Chef, the postholder will support the preparation, cooking and service of food, alongside maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen and dining areas.
This role plays an important part in ensuring students and staff receive a high-quality catering service in a safe, welcoming and well-organised environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the preparation and service of food.
- Serve food in an efficient, friendly and professional manner.
- Wash up kitchen equipment and tableware.
- Clean kitchen equipment, dining areas and kitchen premises to required standards.
- Support the supervision of students in the dining area.
- Follow food hygiene, health and safety and Trust procedures at all times.
- Undertake any other relevant duties as required by the school.
What We Are Looking For:
- Organised, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, or relevant experience.
- A Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to undertake training.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact positively with students, colleagues and visitors.
- The ability to organise your workload, prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail.
- An understanding of appropriate behaviour expectations when working in student areas.
- A respectful and inclusive approach when working with children and young people from a range of backgrounds.
About Maiden Erlegh Trust:
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
Benefits:
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year for personal events.
- Professional Development: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute.
- Hybrid Working: Support for flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Access to discounts and wellness resources.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations and eye tests for eligible staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to 24/7 support.
Safeguarding Statement:
Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Assistant at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a strong focus on professional development through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, generous leave policies, and a commitment to wellbeing. Located in Reading, the school provides a vibrant community atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant at River Academy in Reading
✨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 Maiden Erlegh Trust 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 at River Academy in Reading
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 Maiden Erlegh Trust 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 Maiden Erlegh Trust.
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 Maiden Erlegh Trust get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨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 Maiden Erlegh Trust 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.
