At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare food, serve meals, and ensure a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Pear Tree High School.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and health perks.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Food preparation experience and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 9749 - 9749 £ per year.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Catering Assistant to join our fantastic team at Pear Tree High School. This is a permanent part‑time role working 16 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 11:15am‑2:30pm and Friday 11:30am‑2:30pm, term time only plus five INSET days. Starting salary £9,749 with a full‑time equivalent of £24,796 (Grade 1). Start date 1 September 2026.
Responsibilities
- Prepare food, make sandwiches and operate tills
- Assist with the setting up and serving of meals
- Clean kitchen equipment and dining furniture
- Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations
- Provide excellent customer service to students and staff
- Support equal opportunities and inclusivity in the workplace
Qualifications
- Experience in food preparation and service (school or catering experience desirable)
- Reliable, enthusiastic and a great team player
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Work efficiently while maintaining high hygiene standards
Benefits
- High quality CPD for all roles
- Bupa Level 1 Health Plan with annual cash back allowance for everyday health care expenses
- Generous pension contribution – over 26% for teachers and 15% for support staff
- Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document; non‑teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of service
- Cycle scheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and access Strava for free
- Employee Assistance Programmes, including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
- Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
- Flexible working options where possible
- Mental Health First Aid available in every school
- Blue Light Card with discounts on holidays, cars, fashion, insurance, phones and more
- Beyond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for everyday purchases
Safeguarding and Equality
All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 for enhanced disclosure checks.
Catering Assistant employer: Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw
At Pear Tree High School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member. As a Catering Assistant, you will benefit from high-quality professional development, generous holiday allowances, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, all while contributing to a positive environment for our students. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying flexible working options and a strong commitment to employee growth.
Contact Details:
Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Prospere Central MAT Team, Prospere Learning Trust, Piper Hill High School, Firbank Road, Wythenshaw and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
