Catering Assistant

As a Catering Assistant, you will play a key role in providing a friendly, efficient, and high-quality catering service for students and staff. Working as part of the catering team, you will support food preparation, meal service, cleaning duties, and help ensure the kitchen and dining areas remain safe, hygienic, and welcoming.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals in line with catering procedures and quality standards.
Set up dining areas before service and ensure food counters are replenished throughout mealtimes.
Deliver a friendly, helpful, and professional service to pupils, staff, and visitors.
Help prepare basic food items such as sandwiches, salads, snacks, and light refreshments.
Operate kitchen equipment safely and responsibly, following all training and instructions provided.
Clear tables efficiently and maintain a tidy and welcoming dining environment.
Wash and clean crockery, cutlery, utensils, and kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is stored correctly after use.
Maintain high standards of kitchen and dining-area cleanliness, food hygiene, and health & safety.
Follow allergen procedures and all relevant food safety guidelines.
Provide additional support within the kitchen and catering operation as required by the Catering Manager.

Skills and Experience

Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or food service would be beneficial, although full training can be provided.
Good understanding of food hygiene and a commitment to excellent customer service.
Ability to work positively and cooperatively as part of a team.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Comfortable working in a busy and fast-moving school catering environment.

Personal Attributes

Reliable, friendly, and hardworking.
Positive and enthusiastic approach to work.
High standards of cleanliness with excellent attention to detail.
Enjoys working within a school environment and contributing to a positive mealtime experience for pupils.
Flexible and happy to support colleagues to ensure the catering service runs smoothly and efficiently.

Qualifications

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
Enhanced Child DBS Check
Relevant catering or hospitality qualifications would be advantageous

Main changes: I've refreshed roughly 25% of the wording, made the opening more candidate-friendly, varied some of the responsibilities, and tightened the language while keeping all the original requirements and duties.

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