At a Glance
- Tasks: Support meal preparation and service in a busy school kitchen.
- Company: Ivy Lane Primary School, fostering a positive dining experience.
- Benefits: Great pension scheme, flexible hours, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Part-time role with a friendly school environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals to pupils every day.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills and efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 5616 - 5616 £ per year.
Location: Ivy Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1HE
Contract: Permanent, Part‑time (10 hours per week, 38 weeks per year)
Salary: £24,796.00 annually (FTE) – £5,616 per annum
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 11:15 am to 1:15 pm
Closing date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Responsibilities and role:
We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to support the preparation and service of meals within our busy school kitchen. The role involves helping to provide healthy, nutritious food for pupils, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and supporting a positive dining experience. You will assist with basic food preparation, preparation of the dining area, serve meals, tidying and cleaning the kitchen area during and after lunch service, ensuring all food hygiene practices are followed in line with Food Standards Agency guidance.
The ideal candidate will be a team player with good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a school environment.
Benefits (included in employment package):
- Excellent pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing support
Catering AssistantEDV/2026/ILPS/23687 employer: Pickwick Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Pickwick Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering AssistantEDV/2026/ILPS/23687
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ivy Lane Primary 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 team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on social media. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Catering Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to food hygiene and teamwork. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering AssistantEDV/2026/ILPS/23687
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for food and working with children shine through. We want to see that you're excited about the role and ready to contribute to a positive dining experience at Ivy Lane Primary School.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience in catering or working in schools. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing your past experiences!
Keep It Clean and Clear: Just like in the kitchen, clarity is key! Use simple language and structure your application well. This helps us easily see your qualifications and makes a great first impression.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pickwick Academy Trust
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with meal preparation, food hygiene practices, and the importance of maintaining cleanliness in a school kitchen. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Schools thrive on positive energy, so let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview. Share why you want to work in a school environment and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience for pupils. A genuine passion for helping others will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, how you handle conflicts, and your communication skills. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to nutrition, how they support staff wellbeing, or what a typical day looks like for a Catering Assistant. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.