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- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve healthy school meals while keeping the dining area tidy.
- Company: Hampshire County Council provides nutritious meals for schools, promoting children's health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only hours, full training, and a supportive team environment with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health while working in a friendly, fast-paced kitchen.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a strong team spirit and ability to thrive under pressure.
- Other info: This role requires a Criminal Records Check and offers opportunities for professional development.
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Catering Assistant (LH) – Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End – Ed Catering 621852 (E), Southampton
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Client:
Shared Services Partnership
Location:
Southampton, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
13d21440e0ee
Job Views:
7
Posted:
25.08.2025
Expiry Date:
09.10.2025
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Job Description:
Job Reference:HCC621852
Hourly Rate: £12.56 per hour
Work Location: Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date:31st August 2025
Need a term time only job?
Come and join our team
We are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy team preparing and serving freshly prepared healthy, nutritious school meals as well as setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas. Our Catering Assistants work term time, during school hours.
It’s a rewarding job, and we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed, we have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and progress.
You’ll need to enjoy being part of a team, serving lunch on time is essential, so you must be able to cope in a busy environment and work well under pressure.
If you have experience of working in a catering environment that would be an advantage, but it’s not essential.
The Role:
Help prepare, cook and serve lunch to pupils following strict Hygiene and Safety rules. Carry out other kitchen tasks, including cleaning, setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas.
What you’ll do:
- Put away deliveries, rotate stock and carry out quantity, temperature and quality checks
- Follow specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
- Encourage the children to try a variety of food
- Make packed lunches for school trips
- Handle cash on occasions, following our strict guidelines
- Keep to HC3S and Hampshire County Council health and safety, food safety and hygiene procedures
You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong team player
- Ability to work in a busy fast paced environment
- Ability to cope with physical element of the job
- Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures
What we offer:
- Term-time only working– no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
- A friendly supportive team environment withongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
- The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing
To find out more about us, visit our Education Catering work with us page Work with us | Education and learning | Hampshire County Council
You will also benefit from a healthyOur benefits package | Jobs and volunteering | Hampshire County Council package Including:-
- Uniform
- Full training and opportunities to progress
- A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
- Interest free travel loans and discounts.
- Employee Support Services.
- Family friendly policies.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
Additional Information:
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
If you’d like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.
Emma McGlennon, District Manager, on 07849300836
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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Catering Assistant (LH) - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 621852 (E) employer: Shared Services Partnership
Contact Detail:
Shared Services Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant (LH) - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 621852 (E)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Catering Assistant at Berrywood Primary School. Understanding the role's requirements, such as food safety and hygiene procedures, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of the school or the catering team. They can provide valuable insights into the work environment and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in fast-paced environments, even if it's not directly in catering. Being able to showcase your ability to work under pressure will be a strong point in your favour.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare some questions about the role and the team dynamics to ask during any informal discussions. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you stand out as a proactive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant (LH) - Berrywood Primary School, Hedge End - Ed Catering 621852 (E)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catering Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and experience in a catering environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous roles in catering or food service, and include examples of how you've worked effectively in a team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention why you want to work at Berrywood Primary School and how you can contribute to the team, particularly in preparing and serving nutritious meals.
Highlight Training and Development: Since the role offers training opportunities, mention your willingness to learn and develop new skills. If you have any relevant certifications or training in food safety or hygiene, be sure to include them.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Services Partnership
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your excitement about the role and working in a school environment. Highlight your passion for providing healthy meals and how it contributes to children's wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role requires being part of a busy team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences working collaboratively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand Hygiene and Safety Protocols
Familiarise yourself with basic food safety and hygiene practices. Be ready to discuss why these are important in a catering environment, especially when serving children.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing time during busy lunch hours or dealing with dietary requirements. Being able to demonstrate problem-solving skills will impress the interviewers.
