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- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and maintain hygiene standards while engaging with children and staff.
- Company: Join the friendly catering team at Purley Oaks Primary School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work during term time only.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for food, good communication skills, and ability to work in a team.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career development in a nurturing school setting.
The predicted salary is between 10463 - 10610 £ per year.
Hours: 15 hours per week – term time only plus INSET (11.00am – 2.00pm daily)
Required for: ASAP
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Grade 1: £10,463 – £10,610 subject to national pay review
We have an exciting opportunity to join the catering team at Purley Oaks Primary School. Are you enthusiastic, calm under pressure and able to communicate well with staff and children? If so, this could be the role for you.
We are looking for someone who is able to:
- have knowledge of food preparation
- display and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene
- talk to children and adults in a clear and calm manner
- work as part of a group and on their own
- respect confidential information
- remain calm in a crisis
- undertake appropriate training as required
- promote the school when talking to visitors, colleagues and members of the community
- demonstrate passion and enthusiasm to provide the very best opportunities and resources for all our children
Purley Oaks Primary School is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and the successful candidate will need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, evidence of right to work in the UK and two satisfactory references. Photographic identification and certificates of all relevant qualifications will need to be provided at the interview stage.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all.
VISITS TO THE SCHOOL ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED
Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment to view by contacting Miss Smith (PA to Headteacher) on 020 8688 4268 or by emailing hr@purleyoaks.croydon.sch.uk.
DATA PROTECTION
In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) the school is responsible for holding and protecting personal data. The school is required to share some data with the Local Authority, Croydon Council and the Department for Education. For further information on who we share data with please see our website for our Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices: www.purleyoaks.croydon.sch.uk/ . Privacy notice for job applicants is available on our website.
APPLICATIONS
To apply for this position please complete the Support Staff Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms fully and provide a Supporting Statement which shows how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Application forms can be found on our website.
PLEASE NOTE AS A SAFER RECRUITMENT SCHOOL WE WILL TAKE UP REFERENCES PRIOR TO YOU BEING CALLED FOR INTERVIEW, UNLESS YOU CAN PROVIDE US WITH A VALID REASON FOR REFERENCES NOT TO BE TAKEN UP AT THIS STAGE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU PROVIDE TWO EMAIL ADDRESSES ON YOUR APPLICATION FORM FOR REFEREES TO BE CONTACTED.
Application forms and supporting statements should be submitted to: Interviews: Thursday 11th December 2025 Tenable: January 2026 *applications from suitable candidates who meet the person specification may be shortlisted and interviewed ahead of the closing date.
Catering Assistant Vacancy in Croydon employer: Purley Oaks
Contact Detail:
Purley Oaks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant Vacancy in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Purley Oaks Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment will help you feel more comfortable and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with both children and staff, think of examples where you've successfully communicated in a calm and clear manner. This will help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for food preparation! Be ready to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and preparation techniques. We want to see that you're enthusiastic about providing the best for the kids!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about the position. Don’t forget to include your references and any relevant qualifications!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant Vacancy in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and in catering shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to contribute to our team!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement directly addresses the criteria outlined in the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you meet those requirements, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and structure your thoughts well, so it’s easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Purley Oaks
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food preparation and hygiene standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the importance of maintaining high standards.
✨Practice Calm Communication
Since you'll be interacting with both children and adults, practice speaking clearly and calmly. You might want to role-play some scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with how to handle different situations, especially under pressure.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share examples of how you've previously engaged with kids or contributed to a team, as this will demonstrate your commitment to providing the best opportunities for them.
✨Prepare Your Documents
Don't forget to gather all necessary documents like your qualifications and identification before the interview. Having everything ready will not only save time but also show that you're organised and professional.
