Facilities Assistant Catering Assistant (based at The Forest Academy) in Barnsley

About this Role

Wellspring Academy Trust is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to support the delivery of an exceptional dining experience for our pupils. This is a rewarding opportunity to help ensure every child receives wholesome, nutritious and delicious meals in a welcoming school environment. If you are passionate about food, teamwork and making a positive difference in a school community, we would love to hear from you. This is a permanent role working 16 hours per week, 40 weeks per year, based at The Forest Academy, Thornton Road, Kendray, Barnsley, S70 3NG.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve appetising, nutritious food.
• Set up and prepare the dining room for service.
• Wash up, clear and clean the kitchen, dining room and associated areas.
• Support menu and recipe costing, stock control and accurate record keeping.
• Assist with the careful use and maintenance of catering equipment, reporting faults as necessary.
• Ensure efficient use of gas, electricity and water.
• Operate relevant catering IT systems where required.
• Attend training courses and meetings as required.
• Share catering knowledge and skills with colleagues.
• Carry out duties in line with current legislation and Trust policies and procedures.
• Deliver high-quality service to the Wellspring community — right first time, every time.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the level and nature of the role.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Trust and statutory QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health and Environment) regulations.
• Adhere strictly to food handling and hygiene processes.
• Ensure all legal and safety systems are followed.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates personal integrity and commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Service.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Builds positive rapport with pupils and school staff.
• Shares our values and has an affinity with Wellspring’s culture and purpose.
• Takes pride in delivering high standards consistently.
• Works well as part of a team in a busy environment.

Why Join Wellspring Academy Trust?

At Wellspring, we are committed to creating supportive environments where children thrive. Our catering team plays an important role in the school day, and we value the contribution of every team member. Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. As this role involves working with children in regulated activity, it is an offence to apply for the role if barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post. We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you are currently living overseas or have lived/worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.