At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals for students in a busy kitchen.
- Company: Join OFG Education, a supportive community focused on empowering students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and mental health support.
- Other info: Located near the beautiful Lake District, offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Team player with a passion for cleanliness and food safety.
The predicted salary is between 24656 - 30136 £ per year.
At OFG Education we believe in creating a better work life balance.
Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2DZ
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm
Salary: £24,619.20 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
About the Role
Are you a team player who enjoys working in a busy kitchen environment? Do you take pride in preparing food, maintaining high standards, and helping create a positive experience for young people? We‘re looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team, supporting the preparation and service of nutritious meals for students. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, values teamwork, and wants to play an important role in the school community.
As a Kitchen Assistant, you‘ll work closely with the Cook/Supervisor to help prepare, serve, and deliver meals while ensuring the kitchen remains safe, clean, and compliant with food hygiene standards. You‘ll contribute to creating a welcoming dining experience for students and support the smooth day‑to‑day running of the catering service. No two days are the same, so we‘re looking for someone who can adapt quickly, stay organised, and maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
What you will be doing:
- Assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals
- Supporting students during lunchtime to help ensure a positive dining experience
- Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and dining areas
- Cleaning kitchen equipment and ensuring food preparation areas remain safe and hygienic
- Supporting stock control and reporting any shortages or issues
- Following food safety, health and safety, and hygiene procedures at all times
- Recording meal numbers and communicating any changes or additional requirements
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide a high‑quality catering service
What you will bring:
- Enjoys working as part of a team
- Can remain calm and flexible when plans change
- Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety
- Is reliable, organised, and able to use their own initiative
- Communicates effectively with colleagues and young people
- Shares our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- Driving licence required
About Us
At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures. Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world.
Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve. Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.
About Our School
Underley Garden School is a large school with small class sizes, focusing on students, aged 5-19, who have a range of complex needs associated with autism and learning disabilities, including complex communication, sensory and behavioural needs associated with their disabilities. Our School adopts a holistic, person-centred approach to the development of our students and endeavours to ensure that they achieve as high a standard as possible.
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of education and therapy to meet the individual requirements of students with complex special educational needs. We have developed our own curriculum pathways, to support the diverse needs of our young people, allowing each student to reach their full potential. At Underley Garden, we aim to make a positive difference to the personal, social and learning lives of the people entrusted to our care.
Located near the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. We are in a commutable distance from areas within Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Kitchen Assistant in Carnforth employer: Ofg Education
At Outcomes First Group, we pride ourselves on being a 'Great Place to Work' for six consecutive years, offering Speech and Language Therapists a supportive and collaborative environment within a friendly multidisciplinary team. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for research participation, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing and work-life balance. Join us in Lincolnshire, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying a fulfilling career in a nurturing educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Carnforth
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ofg Education. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ofg Education
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ofg Education directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Carnforth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ofg Education and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofg Education
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
