Catering Assistant

Overview

Kingdown School is looking for a Catering Assistant to join our school on a maternity cover contract and support our dedicated and friendly catering team with kitchen preparation and stock handling, starting from September 2026. Contract: Maternity cover - effective September 2026. Working Hours: Part Time (20 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 38 weeks per year, term-time only).

Kingdown School is a co-educational, non-denominational secondary school and sixth form, educating young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years. We are an academy under Acorn Education Trust, which provides opportunities to collaborate and improve local education. Reporting to the Executive Chef Manager, the successful candidate will be organised and consistent, with a good practical aptitude and must be able to observe health and safety regulations. Experience is preferred, although training will be provided by our expert team.

Responsibilities

• Support the catering team with kitchen preparation and stock handling.
• Observe health and safety regulations at all times.
• Contribute to a high standard of hygiene and food handling practices.
• Work as part of a team and maintain a positive and flexible approach in a busy environment.

Qualifications

• Holds a Level 2 food hygiene certificate (desirable but not essential).
• Good understanding of food handling, preparation and hygiene.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with pupils and staff and build good relationships.
• Excellent practical and organisational skills.
• Self-motivated, dedicated and consistent; takes pride in their work.
• Ability to deal with new challenging situations; strong team player with initiative.
• Aware of health and safety requirements; able to thrive in a busy environment.
• Positive and flexible attitude.

We can offer the successful candidate

• An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning.
• A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
• Opportunities for training and progression.
• The support of Acorn Education Trust, with opportunities to work with experienced colleagues.
• A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.

For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack. If you have any additional questions, please contact: 55.

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 12pm

Interview Date: w/c Monday 1st June 2026

Note: while the closing date for applications has been set, we reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate upon receipt of an exceptional application. Therefore, we would encourage prompt application for this position.