At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare and serve nutritious meals in a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join Ivy Lane Primary School, part of the supportive Pickwick Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, excellent pension, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values kindness, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' dining experiences while working in a friendly team.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for teamwork and communication.
The predicted salary is between 5616 - 5616 € per year.
We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to support the preparation and service of meals within our busy school kitchen. The role involves helping to provide healthy, nutritious food for pupils, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and supporting a positive dining experience. You will assist with basic food preparation, preparation of the dining area, serve meals, tidying and cleaning the kitchen area during and after lunch service, ensuring all food hygiene practices are followed in line with Food Standards Agency guidance.
The ideal candidate will be a team player with good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a school environment.
Our School: Ivy Lane School is a two-form entry Primary School in the centre of Chippenham, Wiltshire and is part of the Pickwick Academy Trust. We believe in Learning for Life, aiming to equip every child with both the skills to be successful beyond their primary years and a life-long appetite for learning. The school community really is a special place to learn. Ofsted Jan 2022 recognised this; Teamwork is central to the work at Ivy Lane to ensure pupils are educated and nurtured well.
Our school values of Learning, Environment, Others and Ourselves underpin our ethos. We place a huge importance on outdoor learning and are very lucky to have Forest Schools Provision. We also have an extensive provision of social and emotional support for our children.
Why choose Pickwick Academy Trust? You will be joining a trusted community that is built on shared values and genuine care for every learner. As part of 21 schools, you will benefit from shared expertise, strong professional development, and clear pathways for progression. Our scale allows us to invest in high-quality training, mentoring, and resources to help you succeed. We offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where staff wellbeing truly matters, including:
- Excellent pension scheme
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing support & counselling
- Strong central team support and a real sense of family and belonging
- Staff involvement in shaping key HR policies
- Free eye tests (and glasses if required for your role)
- Free annual flu jab
- Retail Discounts & savings, including Wiltshire Rewards retail savings/ Blue Light Card
- Emergency salary advance scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Ongoing career and professional development
Our vision is to provide the very best education, empowering our children to become lifelong learners, global citizens and deep thinkers. We are seeking dedicated staff to join our supportive trust and help make a real impact. Our mission is to attract and retain individuals who share our values and vision.
As a Diversity & Inclusion employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise needing applicants.
What we Value in Our Team: At Pickwick Academy Trust, we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. We are looking for colleagues who can work in a way that reflects our values of aspiration, collaboration, inclusion, enjoyment, and nurturing relationships. This means setting clear goals, working respectfully with others, treating everyone fairly, creating a positive environment, and building supportive and consistent relationships with pupils and colleagues.
If you want to support children to do well, enjoy being part of a team, and want to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and ambitious Trust, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Closing date (and time): 12noon on Wednesday, 20th May 2026
Interview date: Tuesday, 9th June 2026
Commencement date: As soon as possible after interview
Safeguarding: Pickwick Academy Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, governors, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Assistant in England employer: Wiltshire Council
Ivy Lane Primary School, part of the Pickwick Academy Trust, offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, this role as a Catering Assistant allows you to contribute to a positive dining experience for pupils while being part of a dedicated team that prioritises collaboration and community spirit in Chippenham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Ivy Lane Primary School or check out their website. Familiarising yourself with their values and environment will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! As a Catering Assistant, you'll be part of a busy kitchen team. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past – it’ll show you’re a great fit for their collaborative culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about food hygiene! Since maintaining high standards is key in this role, brush up on your knowledge of food safety practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Remember, applications need to go through MNT, not Indeed. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Catering Assistant and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Your Enthusiasm:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role! In your application, let us know why you want to work with us at Ivy Lane School and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience for our pupils.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got any experience in catering or working in a school environment, make sure to mention it! We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through MNT, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s super easy, and this way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with food hygiene practices and the importance of providing nutritious meals for pupils. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute positively to the school environment.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is central to the role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs or school projects. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Reliability
Reliability is key in a school setting. Be ready to talk about your punctuality and commitment to your work. You might want to mention any past roles where you had to adhere to strict schedules or maintain high standards, as this will demonstrate your dependability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to healthy eating or how they support their staff's professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
