School Catering Assistant — Join a Multi-School Kitchen Team

School Catering Assistant — Join a Multi-School Kitchen Team

Full-Time 9.9 - 12.1 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in meal preparation and serving in a vibrant school kitchen team.
  • Company: Join a supportive multi-school trust dedicated to staff development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and access to wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity for all.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Level 2 in Food Safety and some catering experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.

We have a fantastic opportunity to become part of our dedicated and very motivated team of catering staff who provide the catering provision for our trust of 7 schools. You will assist the Kitchen Manager in the preparation and serving of meals and the setup/clean down of dining halls.

The ideal candidate will have Level 2 in Food Safety with some catering and cooking experience. You must be able to work as part of a team and take instruction and guidance.

In return, we will offer you:

  • A collaborative and inclusive culture, where team members will upskill you and give you regular opportunities to learn from each other in a safe and collaborative environment.
  • An opportunity to undertake structured CPD via access to the National College online CPD platform and/or apprenticeships.
  • Access to Career Pathways and Pledge to help you plan for and make your goals a reality via our Professional Growth and Performance process.
  • A wellbeing culture, with paid and unpaid time off to support life events via our Life Leave Policy, access to a Wellbeing Champion and the opportunity to participate in our annual staff wellbeing survey.
  • Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which includes confidential counselling, access to wellbeing advice and a lifestyle app.
  • Access to a suite of supportive policies, such as Life Leave, Wellbeing, Career Break and Family Friendly.
  • Access to a generous pension scheme known as the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Access to a comprehensive employee rewards package including Long Service Awards, Employee Referral Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and contribution to glasses and eye-sight tests for eligible display screen users.
  • Opportunity to be part of key Trust-wide collaborative groups such as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI working group) and Wellbeing working groups.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement based on length of service, starting at 30 days pro-rata, rising to 33 at 5 years’ plus service and 35 following 10 years’ plus service.
  • Onsite parking at all schools.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible, communicating and promoting vacancies, offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job, anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required, and supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

As part of our recruitment process, we carry out rigorous online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.

We promise to treat all candidates fairly, consistently and with respect throughout the application, assessment, and selection process. We are also “happy to talk flexible working” subject to the operational requirements of the role.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role. Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

School Catering Assistant — Join a Multi-School Kitchen Team employer: Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust

Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust is an excellent employer that prioritises the safety and well-being of its staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within a supportive work culture that values teamwork and innovation. Working across multiple academy sites offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in diverse school environments, ensuring a rewarding experience for all team members.

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Contact Details:

Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land School Catering Assistant — Join a Multi-School Kitchen Team

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 Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust

Don't be shy about reaching out to Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust 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 School Catering Assistant — Join a Multi-School Kitchen Team

Adaptability
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Teamwork
Safeguarding Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Time Management

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 Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust 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 Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust

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!