Catering Assistant in Southampton

Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Salary: B1 £24,796.00 FTE - Actual salary £17,638.15

Job Type: Permanent, Part-time, 30 hours a week, Term-time only, 40 weeks a year

Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 15.00pm (30-minute daily unpaid lunch break)

Start Date: October 2026

The Governors are seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join our hardworking, committed and enthusiastic team. This role will require the successful candidate to perform a variety of tasks associated with the efficient running of the catering service. The successful candidate will work with the students, teachers and support staff within the school canteen. The successful candidate will ideally have knowledge of working within a catering environment.

If you are a Catholic, you will understand the distinctiveness of Catholic schools such as Oaklands and this will be attractive to you. You do not have to be a Catholic to work at Oaklands; the Governors welcome applications from candidates of differing faith backgrounds or none who can be supportive of the school ethos.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Catering duties
• Assist with basic food production, preparation of salads, rolls, vegetables and other foods prior to cooking
• Assist with cooking of foodstuffs under the direction of the Deputy Catering Manager
• Prepare service and dining areas, serve customers ensuring correct portion control and promote sales of the company's products
• Clean kitchen and dining areas to a high standard using the safe methods as laid down in the Safer Food Better Business manual and complete the cleaning rota on a daily basis
• Accept payments and give correct change, operating and balancing the cash register as required
• Clean and fill all vending machines as required
• Assist with the preparation and service of food for special functions and theme days as required
• Keep records required, e.g.: fridge/freezer temperature sheets, food temperature sheets, stock control sheets and food wastage sheets as directed by the Deputy or Catering Manager
• Ensure that all deliveries are accounted for and put away, implementing good stock rotation and correct stock keeping as directed by the Deputy Catering Manager
• Ensure that the school's reputation for food quality and service is enhanced with the staff and pupils
• Any other duties commensurate with the position as directed by the Deputy Catering Manager/Catering Manager
• Participate in training and continuing professional development
• Attend relevant school meetings as required

School Policies and Regulations

• General knowledge of school policies and procedures
• Health and Safety and Safeguarding responsibility for self and children, which can be particularly demanding in a child-centred environment
• The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and the post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required from time to time
• In the school summer holidays we run a summer school and holiday activities, catering staff attendance may be required, although this is optional.

In return we offer an excellent salary and benefits package, the prospect of working for a value-led organization which is committed to educational excellence, the training skills and resources to share best practice, plus a supportive and dedicated staff and senior team.

The successful candidate must have relevant and up-to-date knowledge in relation to working with and protecting children and young people. All staff at Oaklands are expected to display a commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people.

We are part of Edith Stein Catholic Academy Trust (ESCAT), and your role may be required to assist other schools in the Trust. The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required from time to time. Any such duties should not, however, substantially change the general character of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Previous experience of working in catering
• Articulate, literate and numerate
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Organisational ability and able to manage time to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Appreciation of the issues working around young people and prepared to train to gain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the protection of children and young people.
• Ability to support the school ethos
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Use of initiative
• Sense of humour
• Confidence and assertiveness
• Tidy and organised approach with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and multi-task
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Ability to forge and maintain good relationships with staff and students
• Takes pride in work and has high expectations of self and others
• Willingness to participate fully in the life of the school
• Willingness to work overtime if required

The following would be desirable:

• Basic Food Hygiene
• Allergen Awareness
• Experience of working in a school catering operation
• Willingness to train as Fire Warden/First Aider

Additional Information:

• Please note all staff will be required to complete and obtain a clear Enhanced DBS, provide 3 pieces of original ID and provide original qualification certificates.
• All applicants for this position must evidence Right to Work.
• Closing date: Sunday 20th September 2026 5pm
• We reserve the right to extend this closing date should we need further applicants for shortlisting.
• Interviews: Week commencing 21st September 2026
• Please note that once you have applied for the role you will be sent an email with an application form to fill in. This form will need to be fully completed and returned for your application to be considered.

Candidates with experience of; Food Service Assistant, Kitchen Assistant, Catering Support Worker, Hospitality Assistant, Food Preparation Assistant, Kitchen Porter, Catering Team Member, Food Service Worker, Hospitality Support Assistant, may also be considered for this role.