At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve meals for students while keeping the kitchen tidy.
- Company: Great Dunmow Primary School is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy part-time hours with training provided and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and references, ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's daily lives while gaining valuable experience in catering.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; training in food safety and allergen awareness will be provided.
Position Start Date: 13/04/2026 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 20/03/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: w/b 23rd March
Our busy, friendly, catering team is looking for a colleague to assist with lunch service to our 465 children. Our Kitchen Assistants will assist with serving our younger children, use the commercial dishwasher to clean the trays, cutlery and cups, manually wash utensils and cooking trays as well as clean down the kitchen at the end of service and have general kitchen duties. The Kitchen Assistant will be responsible for checking special dietary requirements are adhered to as well as stringent standards of cleanliness.
Whilst this is a physically demanding role you will be able to enjoy building a strong positive rapport with both the catering team and the children. A positive, flexible and committed approach to your work together with a sense of humour is essential.
This is a part-time role, 11.40am - 2pm, which is 11 hours 40 minutes per week
Please contact the school on admin@dsmprimary.essex.sch.uk or 01371872340 for further information.
Information about the School
Based in Great Dunmow, Essex, Dunmow St Mary\'s Primary School is a 2FE Foundation primary school with extensive grounds, including our own woodland area and outdoor classroom. As a Church of England voluntary controlled school we have a strong commitment to Christian principles and values that recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Every child from any background is welcome in our school and our school life is strengthened by our visits to the local church and by the contribution it makes to our school.
Judged \"Good\" in our recent Section 5 graded Ofsted inspection, our learning is based around our unique curriculum model designed in a series of cross curricular themes. By making connections between subjects we deepen and enhance our children\'s learning meaning our children are active, enthusiastic and happy learners. We are committed to our curriculum model and want to see it develop further.
We believe that good learning requires good teachers. Our teaching and support staff are a committed and talented team of people. Together in the classrooms and across the school they make Dunmow St Mary\'s the wonderful school it is.
Inclusiveness and caring are at the heart of our school. We have invested in supporting our children in the classroom and beyond with a dedicated family liaison officer and SENCO team who help everyone to engage and learn.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Catering Assistant in Great Dunmow employer: Shorefields
Great Dunmow Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. With flexible hours and opportunities for training in food safety and allergen awareness, we prioritise employee growth and development while ensuring a safe and nurturing atmosphere for both staff and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Great Dunmow
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Shorefields. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Shorefields
Don't be shy about reaching out to Shorefields directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Great Dunmow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Shorefields and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
