At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation, service, and maintaining a clean dining environment.
- Company: Join Maiden Erlegh School, a supportive and student-focused community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' daily experiences while working in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills; NVQ Level 2 or willingness to train in food hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 11669 - 11669 £ per year.
Location: 81 Crescent Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5SL
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Part-Time
Salary: £11,669.00 Annually (Actual); Grade 3 (SCP 5‑6) working Term Time Only plus 2 INSET days. Working 20 hours per week. FTE £25,584
Closing Date: Midnight, Mon 29th Jun, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
About This Role: Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant to support the preparation, cooking and service of food as part of the school’s daily catering provision. Working under the direction of the Catering Manager and Chef, you will help ensure that food service runs safely, efficiently and to expected standards. The role also includes supporting students in the dining area and helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment during the school day. This is a practical and student‑facing role that would suit someone who is organised, reliable and able to work well as part of a busy catering team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the preparation and service of food.
- Serve food in an efficient and friendly manner.
- Wash up kitchen equipment and tableware.
- Clean dining areas, kitchen premises and kitchen equipment.
- Follow catering procedures, hygiene expectations and cleaning routines accurately.
- Support the supervision of students in the dining area.
- Contribute to a calm, safe and orderly dining environment.
- Interact with students, colleagues and visitors in a respectful, friendly and professional manner.
- Work in line with school and Trust policies, procedures and expectations.
Ideal Candidate:
The successful candidate will have good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact appropriately with students, colleagues and visitors. They will be able to organise their own time, prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail when following procedures and maintaining standards. You will ideally hold an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and a Food Hygiene qualification, or be willing to undertake relevant training. You will also be able to support the preparation, cooking and service of food safely and efficiently, while helping to maintain clean, safe and hygienic kitchen, dining and equipment areas. We are looking for someone who works cooperatively with colleagues and contributes to a calm, professional and student‑focused catering service.
Benefits of Working with the Trust:
- Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service.
- ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event.
- Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Trust Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles.
- Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points.
- Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible).
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes.
- Mental Health First Aid Support.
- Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across the team.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
Additional Information:
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Catering Assistant at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, extensive training opportunities, and a focus on employee recognition, this part-time role as a Catering Assistant allows you to make a meaningful impact on students' daily lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule during term time. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for both staff and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Maiden Erlegh School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Catering Assistant, you'll be interacting with students and staff daily. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork! Think of examples from past experiences where you've worked well in a team. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the busy catering environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen on joining the team at Maiden Erlegh School.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for food and working with students. Mention any relevant experience or training you have, like an NVQ Level 2 or Food Hygiene qualification, to show you're ready to jump in!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We love candidates who can keep things running smoothly! Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and follow procedures accurately. This will show us that you can maintain the high standards we expect in our catering service.
Keep It Friendly and Professional:Since this role involves interacting with students and colleagues, make sure your application reflects your good interpersonal skills. Use a friendly tone and share examples of how you've worked well in a team or supported others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the interview process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Maiden Erlegh School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Understand what it means to support food preparation, service, and maintaining hygiene standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with students and colleagues, be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've worked well in a team or handled a challenging situation with a student or colleague. This will highlight your ability to contribute to a friendly and professional environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food hygiene and safety procedures. Brush up on relevant regulations and best practices, as well as any qualifications you hold. If you don’t have formal training yet, express your willingness to learn and adapt quickly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a couple of questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they ensure a safe dining environment. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
