At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen and dining hall, ensuring a positive lunchtime experience for pupils.
- Company: Join Orchard Vale Community School, part of The Harbour Schools Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive community, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a welcoming school environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team that values teamwork and quality service.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, reliability, and strong practical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 24796 € per year.
Salary: NJC Grade A3 £24,796 FTE (This will be paid pro-rata to reflect hours and weeks worked)
Working Pattern: These are two permanent positions working between 16 hours and 23.75 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (Monday to Friday).
Orchard Vale Community School are looking for two dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistants to join our school team. This is a key role supporting the smooth running of both the kitchen and dining hall, ensuring pupils receive a safe, positive and high-quality lunchtime experience.
About the Role
As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important part in delivering an efficient, friendly and hygienic school catering service. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with lunchtime supervision and supporting pupils as required
- Helping with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and dining hall
- Serving food and ensuring high standards of customer satisfaction
- Encouraging good table manners and assisting children with cutlery when needed
- Cleaning tables, chairs, trolleys, counters, floors and kitchen equipment
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who brings enthusiasm, reliability and a positive attitude to their work. Essential qualities include:
- Strong practical skills suited to a busy, hands-on kitchen environment
- Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with pupils, staff and visitors
- A “can-do” attitude, strong teamwork skills and good interpersonal qualities
- Ability to recognise minor issues and escalate concerns appropriately
- Physical ability to carry out manual handling and cleaning tasks safely
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience in a similar role or relevant personal interest
- Basic IT understanding for simple administrative tasks
- Industry-relevant training or qualifications
Why Join Us?
As part of The Harbour Schools Partnership, you’ll be joining a supportive and inclusive community that values teamwork, quality service and a positive environment for both staff and pupils. If you’re friendly, hardworking and passionate about contributing to a well-run, welcoming school environment, we’d love to hear from you.
This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure. To apply for this role please submit your application online; your supporting statement should outline your suitability for the post. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 15th June 2026, interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd June 2026. Successful applicants will be subject to an online search.
The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.
The Harbour Schools Partnership is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an enhanced disclosure is required for this post. Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available on the relevant school website.
Our Vision
At Orchard Vale we believe that education should be inspiring for all children whatever their age and encourage them to be confident individuals with a deep love of learning. We aim to deliver high quality education through our broad and balanced curriculum so our pupils are articulate, confident, and relish new challenges.
Core Values
At Orchard Vale we have three core aims:
Kitchen Assistants in Barnstaple employer: The Harbour Schools Partnership
Joining Orchard Vale Community School as a Kitchen Assistant means becoming part of a supportive and inclusive community that prioritises teamwork and quality service. With flexible working hours during term time, you will enjoy a positive work culture that values your contributions while providing opportunities for personal growth and development in a rewarding environment dedicated to the welfare of children.
Contact Detail:
The Harbour Schools Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistants in Barnstaple
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Orchard Vale Community School and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Kitchen Assistant, you'll be interacting with pupils and staff regularly. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as friendly and professional.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlighting your ability to collaborate and support others will resonate well with the school's focus on teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and comfortable with basic IT tasks, which is a bonus for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistants in Barnstaple
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for working in a school kitchen shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about creating a positive lunchtime experience for the pupils.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences match the role. We’re looking for practical skills and a friendly attitude, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and check for any spelling or grammar mistakes before hitting send. First impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application online through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Harbour Schools Partnership
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like serving food, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting pupils during lunchtime. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a school kitchen, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a positive environment or helped resolve issues collaboratively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key when interacting with pupils and staff. Practice speaking clearly and courteously about your experiences. You might even want to role-play common scenarios you could face in the kitchen to show your ability to handle them professionally.
✨Bring Your Can-Do Attitude
The school is looking for someone with a positive attitude and a willingness to tackle challenges. Be ready to discuss how you approach tasks with enthusiasm and how you can adapt to the busy environment of a school kitchen. This will show that you're the right fit for their team!
