Catering Assistant in Chippenham

Catering Assistant in Chippenham

Chippenham Part-Time 5616 - 5616 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Wiltshire

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals in a vibrant school kitchen.
  • Company: Join Ivy Lane Primary School, part of the supportive Pickwick Academy Trust.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, excellent pension, and ongoing professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a community that values kindness, trust, and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' dining experiences while working in a friendly team.
  • Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills and a passion for food hygiene.

The predicted salary is between 5616 - 5616 £ per year.

Salary: B3, £24,796 FTE / Actual Salary: £5616 per annum

Hours of work: 10 hours per week, working 38 weeks per year (term time, excluding TD days) / Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 11.15am to 1.15pm

Contract type: Permanent

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.

We’re happy to talk flexible working options in regards to all our roles. The successful applicant will support a community where everyone is encouraged to reach their potential, work together toward shared goals, feel valued, enjoy a positive environment, and build relationships founded on kindness and trust.

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 also have our on-site Sunflowers Nursery which accepts children from the age of 3 years old. 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’ll 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.

To apply, please visit the following link https://mynewterm.com/jobs/144705/EDV-2026-ILPS-23687. If you require any further details regarding the role, please feel free to contact Mrs Kerry Nowosielski, Admin Officer at admin@ivylane.wilts.sch.uk.

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. For any application support, please contact AskHR@pickwickacademytrust.co.uk.

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

Please be aware that this role may be closed ahead of the deadline if sufficient applications are received. 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.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As such, all applicants are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they are considered “spent.” An enhanced DBS check will be undertaken prior and a requirement to the commencement of any employment. References will be requested at the shortlisting stage for all roles and may be used during the interview process.

If any of your previous employments includes working with children, one referee must be from that role regardless of whether it is your current or most recent position. If you currently work in a Pickwick Academy School, please nominate your current Headteacher.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and our safer recruitment procedures, an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This search will involve reviewing publicly available information to help assess a candidate’s suitability to work with children. Further guidance will be provided to shortlisted candidates, who may be asked to clarify aspects of their online presence.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW. Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV's submitted via the apply button will not be considered.

Catering Assistant in Chippenham employer: Wiltshire

At Ivy Lane Primary School, part of the Pickwick Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. As a Catering Assistant, you will not only contribute to the well-being of our pupils by providing nutritious meals but also benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a strong sense of community. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a positive workplace culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and collaboration.
Wiltshire

Contact Detail:

Wiltshire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Chippenham

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Ivy Lane Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you feel more comfortable during the interview.

Tip Number 2

Show off your teamwork skills! In your interview, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can collaborate and contribute positively to the kitchen crew.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to chat about food hygiene! Brush up on basic food safety practices and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. This shows you’re serious about keeping the kids safe and healthy.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! Make sure you follow the application instructions carefully and submit your application via My New Term. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people!

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Chippenham

Food Preparation
Food Hygiene Practices
Cleanliness Standards
Meal Service
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Efficiency in a School Environment
Positive Attitude
Adaptability
Customer Service

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Catering Assistant. Make sure you understand the role and how your skills fit in!

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 Primary School and how you can contribute to our positive dining experience.

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.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through MNT, not via Indeed or CVs. So, head over to our website and follow the application instructions carefully. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire

Know Your Role

Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Understand the importance of providing healthy meals and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the role.

Show Your Team Spirit

Since teamwork is crucial in a school environment, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to contribute positively to a team dynamic.

Emphasise Food Hygiene Knowledge

Brush up on food hygiene practices and the Food Standards Agency guidelines. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality in food preparation.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some questions about the school’s values, the team you'll be working with, or the training opportunities available. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.

Catering Assistant in Chippenham
Wiltshire
Location: Chippenham

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