At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring a clean and welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at MEA Central, a supportive school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and great perks like health plans and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by providing nourishing meals in a fun atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience in food prep and a passion for customer service are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 6093 - 6093 £ per year.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Catering Assistant to join our fantastic team at MEA Central. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy, customer-focused environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality service. As part of our catering team, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of our school catering service — helping to prepare, serve, and present meals that keep our students and staff nourished and ready to learn.
This is a Grade 2, permanent post working 10 hours per week 12.30-2.30pm, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £6,093 and the full time equivalent is £24,796. The start date for this post will be confirmed as soon as all pre-employment checks are complete.
About the role:- Preparing food, making sandwiches and operating tills
- Assisting with the setting up and serving of meals
- Cleaning kitchen equipment and dining furniture
- Ensuring compliance with Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations
- Providing excellent customer service to students and staff
- Supporting equal opportunities and inclusivity in our workplace
- Has experience in food preparation and service (school or catering experience desirable)
- Is reliable, enthusiastic, and a great team player
- Demonstrates excellent communication and customer service skills
- Works efficiently while maintaining high hygiene standards
To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please follow the online application process to be considered. All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Working for Prospere Learning Trust, we invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:
- High quality CPD for all roles
- Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
- Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
- Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories
- 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 - we’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
- Mental Health First Aid in every school
- Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
- bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for everyday purchases
MEA Central is a thriving 11-16 secondary school in South Manchester, driven by the mission, “A fantastic future for all”. We focus on removing barriers to student success, combining high expectations with warmth and encouragement. Our values of Citizenship, Achievement, and Participation, along with a belief in the power of language, help develop confident, socially responsible young adults.
Our high expectations are matched by efforts to ignite intellectual passions, fostering autonomous, fulfilled learners. Beyond academics, our exceptional pastoral care and extensive extra-curricular program ensure students gain cultural capital and succeed in areas like sport, music, drama, and community activities. MEA Central has been graded as good by Ofsted.
Pupils at Manchester Enterprise Academy Central are incredibly proud and happy to be a part of a diverse and respectful community. Everyone can be themselves. Pupils are considerate of one another. They do their best to model the school's core values. They strive to work hard, be kind and take part.
Visit our website to learn more about our school community: https://www.meacentral.org.uk/
Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children.
Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including references.
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. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
For application support please contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email jobs@prospere.org.uk
Catering Assistant in Manchester employer: Prospere
Prospere is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for students. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, employees benefit from a strong sense of community, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners during their lunchtime experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research MEA Central and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about delivering high-quality service, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to share these stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff if possible! Reach out on social media or through mutual connections to get insights about the team and the work culture. This can give you a leg up when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the position. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Catering Assistant and how your experience aligns with those requirements.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about delivering high-quality service, highlight any previous experience you have in customer service. We want to see how you can contribute to our friendly and hardworking team!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make sure you communicate your skills and experiences effectively without rambling.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait too long!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospere
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with food preparation, hygiene standards, and customer service expectations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about teamwork, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlight your reliability and enthusiasm, as these traits are key for fitting into a busy catering environment.
✨Practice Good Communication
Excellent communication skills are essential for this job. During the interview, practice clear and friendly communication. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask about the team and the school culture, showing that you’re keen to engage with both students and staff.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Hygiene
Given the importance of food hygiene in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations. Mention any relevant experience you have and express your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
