At a Glance
- Tasks: Support meal preparation and service in a busy school kitchen.
- Company: Ivy Lane Primary School, fostering a supportive and family-like environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent pension, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with a strong sense of community and support.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy meals to students while enjoying a friendly atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills and a passion for food hygiene.
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 & counselling
- Strong central team support and a real sense of family and belonging
- Staff involvement in shaping key HR policies
- Free eye tests (and glasses if required for your role)
- Free annual flu jab
- Retail discounts & savings, including Wiltshire Rewards retail savings/ Blue Light Card
- Emergency salary advance scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Ongoing career and professional development
Contact: Mrs Kerry Nowosielski, Admin Officer – admin@ivylane.wilts.sch.uk
Catering AssistantEDV/2026/ILPS/23687 in Chippenham 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 in Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ivy Lane Primary School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience for the pupils.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a team and interacting with students. Think about examples where you've worked well with others or communicated effectively, and be ready to share those stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a casual role, looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you’re serious about the job and respect the environment you’ll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly, so make sure you hit that submit button on our site. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and can consider you for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering AssistantEDV/2026/ILPS/23687 in Chippenham
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 and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your teamwork and communication skills!
Keep It Clean and Clear: Just like in the kitchen, clarity is key! Use simple language and keep your application well-organised. We appreciate a tidy presentation, so make sure your formatting is consistent and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 creating a positive dining experience for pupils. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role requires working closely with others, be prepared to discuss your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or contributed to a positive environment. This will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their school kitchen team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in a busy kitchen. Practice how you would explain your previous experiences and how they relate to the job. Be ready to discuss how you would interact with both staff and pupils during meal service, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the school’s catering policies or how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.