School Catering Assistant


Company:	Compass Community
Salary:	£14.80 to £14.80 an hour
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Woodbridge, IP12 2EA
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	25 Sept 2026
Closing date:	24 Oct 2026

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Summary

About The Role

Main purpose

To provide a high-quality catering service which supports the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This includes meeting school catering and health and safety standards.

Duties and responsibilities

Meal planning and provision

- Oversee the provision of high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards

- Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance

- Negotiate best-value contracts with authorised suppliers to ensure the cost effectiveness of the catering service

- Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess supply and adhere to the catering budget

- Cater to special dietary requirements and ensure that allergy information is effectively communicated and labelled

Health and safety - Ensure compliance with school catering standards legislation and the school’s food safety policy, health and safety policy, and allergens policy

- Ensure that the kitchen and dining area are kept clean and hygienic

- Ensure that kitchen equipment is used safely and according to operating manuals

- Ensure that kitchen and catering equipment is maintained according to the maintenance schedule

- Arrange for all necessary repairs to be carried out to ensure the safe running of kitchen equipment and remove any faulty equipment pending repairs. Where repair or replacement exceeds the agreed budget, discuss this with the Headteacher

- Ensure that catering staff are adhering to proper hygiene procedures, including wearing the correct uniform

- Record all accidents and incidents

Other areas of responsibility

Staff appointments - Assist in the recruitment and selection of catering staff

- Carry out induction and training for new staff members

Safeguarding - Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies

- Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

Person specification

Qualifications and training

Level 3 Food Safety (or NVQ equivalent)

GCSE or equivalent level in English and maths

Experience

Experience of working in a school kitchen or equivalent:

Experience of menu planning and pricing

Experience of recording and managing stock

Experience working with young people and those with SEMH

Experience of writing and presenting reports (e.g. financial reports, incident reports)

Skills and knowledge

Wide knowledge of culinary production and strong culinary skills

Knowledge of legislative requirements for:

School catering

An understanding of the routines and challenges of catering in a school environment

Good literacy and numeracy skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to multitask and work effectively in a stressful environment

Strong leadership and teamwork skills

Strong customer service skills

Personal qualities

Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with colleagues, pupils and staff

Commitment to promoting the ethos and values of the school

Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

Commitment to safeguarding pupil wellbeing and equality

Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference to children and young people

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