At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kitchen operations by preparing and serving meals while ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.
- Company: Join a caring school community focused on empowering students with complex needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and mental health support.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Good food preparation skills and a commitment to hygiene and safety.
The predicted salary is between 11819 - 11819 £ per year.
At Outcomes First Schools, we allow for greater work-life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work.
Location: Papworth Hall School, Papworth Everard, CB23 3RD
Hours: 20 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: £11,819.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: November 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
About the Role
As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to prepare and serve meals while ensuring high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety are maintained at all times. You’ll play a key role in creating a positive dining experience for students and staff, assisting with breakfast and lunch services, food preparation, cleaning duties, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the daily running of the kitchen and dining areas
- Assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of food and beverages
- Preparing dining and service areas before meal times
- Taking the lead in preparing and serving breakfast
- Washing dishes, utensils, catering equipment, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness
- Carrying out routine and ad hoc cleaning duties across kitchen and dining areas
- Monitoring and managing cleaning supply stock levels
- Supporting colleagues and providing cover during busy periods or absences
- Following food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures at all times
What you will bring
- Has good food preparation skills and an understanding of food hygiene practices
- Maintains high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness
- Works well both independently and as part of a team
- Can use their initiative and stay organised in a busy environment
- Is reliable, flexible, and willing to support colleagues when needed
- Is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone
About Us
Papworth Hall School is in the picturesque village in Cambridgeshire. It is within close proximity to Huntingdon and Cambridge. Our new specialist school caters for young people with complex communication needs, autism and associated learning and emotional needs and has the capacity for 30 students.
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.
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 Papworth Everard 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 Papworth Everard
✨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 Papworth Everard
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!