Catering Assistant

The Role: We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable Catering Assistant to join our friendly school kitchen team. The successful candidate will assist the Chef Manager in all aspects of daily food preparation, serving, and kitchen cleanliness, ensuring a high standard of hygiene and customer service. This role is crucial in ensuring our pupils enjoy their lunchtime experience. Location: Roaming role covering the Ipswich area as and when required Hours: Casual role About ASSET Education ASSET is an Education Trust comprising 16 primary schools in and around Ipswich and north-east Suffolk. We have an ambitious, future-facing vision to equip and empower our young people to create a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable world where they personally and collectively thrive. Our tagline is “Nurturing Humanityˮ. We want to apply these deeply held commitments of nurturing and sustainability by providing a food education that benefits childrenʼs health and wellbeing, and minimises the impact on the planet - both in terms of what children eat whilst at school, and the food choices they make as adults. Key Responsibilities: Food Preparation & Service: Assist with the preparation of food items, salads, and desserts under the direction of the Chef Manager. Washing Up & Cleaning: Wash dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, and kitchen equipment using dishwashers or by hand. Ensure all work surfaces, kitchen equipment, and the dining area are kept clean and tidy throughout the day and at the end of each shift. Stock & Deliveries: Assist with the receipt, checking, and storage of food deliveries, ensuring items are put away correctly and efficiently. Food Safety & Hygiene: Adhere strictly to all food safety regulations, including HACCP principles and cross-contamination prevention. Teamwork & Communication: Work effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues as needed. Essential Skills and Experience: Previous experience working in a kitchen or catering environment is desirable, but not essential as full training will be provided. An understanding of basic food hygiene principles. Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a busy environment. A positive attitude and willingness to learn. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to lift and carry items safely. Desirable Skills and Experience: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or 2). Experience working with children. What We Offer: A friendly and welcoming school community. On-the-job training and support. The opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our pupils. Safeguarding Statement: ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment checks. To Apply: Please apply through My New Term We look forward to receiving your application. ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the job description and will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and children's barred list check, health check, online search and satisfactory references. Copies of our safeguarding and safer recruitment policies are available on request.