Kitchen Assistant in Washington

KITCHEN ASSISTANT – SCHOOL

Location: Washington, Sunderland

Hours: Part-time - 17.5 hours per week

Contract: Temporary

Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Term Time

Pay: £13.05 per hour PAYE | £16.87 per hour Umbrella Service

Care Solutions are currently recruiting for a Kitchen Assistant to work within a school in the Washington, Sunderland area. This is an excellent opportunity for a reliable and enthusiastic individual looking for part-time, term‑time work within a school environment.

THE ROLE

Working as part of the school catering team, you will support the preparation and service of meals to pupils and staff while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety throughout the kitchen and dining areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the preparation of food and beverages as directed by the Cook or Catering Manager.
• Support the serving of meals to pupils and staff.
• Set up and clear dining areas before and after meal service.
• Wash dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment and catering items.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
• Clean work surfaces, floors, equipment and other catering areas.
• Follow food safety, COSHH and Health & Safety procedures.
• Assist with the safe storage and handling of food and catering supplies.
• Support stock rotation and replenishment of kitchen supplies.
• Assist with the safe movement and storage of dining furniture and equipment.
• Dispose of food waste and general waste appropriately.
• Work as part of the wider school catering team to ensure an efficient meal service.
• Follow school safeguarding and operational procedures.
• Undertake other reasonable catering and kitchen duties as required.

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience working in a school kitchen, catering environment, care home, restaurant, café or similar setting , although this is not essential for the right candidate. You should have: A reliable and punctual approach to work. Good awareness of food hygiene and Health & Safety. A positive attitude and willingness to learn. The ability to work effectively as part of a team. Good organisation and time management skills. The ability to work in a busy environment. Good communication and customer service skills. A professional and approachable manner when working around children and young people. Previous food preparation or catering experience would be advantageous. A Food Hygiene certificate would be a requirement.

WORKING HOURS

Part-time hours, Monday to Friday during school term time. The exact working pattern will be confirmed with the successful candidate and may be centred around the school lunchtime service.

DBS & SAFEGUARDING

As this role is based within a school environment, the successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate Enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks prior to commencing work.