Job description

Catering Assistant
Location: Royston, Hertfordshire, UK
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00, 52 weeks per year
Hourly Rate: £12.87 - £13.10 (depending on experience/qualifications)
Annual Salary: £26,769 - £27,248

Overview

We are recruiting a Catering Assistant to join our team supporting young people with special educational needs. This is a hands-on role in a busy kitchen environment, where you will contribute to creating positive and inclusive mealtime experiences.

You will assist with meal preparation, service, portion control, and hygiene, helping to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-organized kitchen. This role requires energy, attention to detail, and a proactive approach.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Senior Cook with meal preparation and service.
Maintain a hygienic kitchen environment, cleaning equipment, surfaces, and floors.
Receive, check, and store food deliveries in line with food safety standards.
Ensure allergen information and labelling complies with relevant legislation.
Serve food respectfully, considering individual dietary needs and preferences.
Support young people during mealtimes, promoting independence and choice.
Carry out equipment and maintenance checks, recording as required.
Respond appropriately to food-related emergencies, including allergic reactions.
Work independently when required and contribute to continuous improvement of food service quality.

This role is varied, and flexibility to support other kitchen or dining tasks is expected.

Requirements

Essential:

Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety (Catering)
Good literacy, numeracy, and communication skills
Knowledge of food safety, health and safety legislation, manual handling, and allergen labelling
Good IT literacy (Outlook and Excel)
Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing
Positive attitude and attention to detail

Desirable:

First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
Experience or knowledge of working with children or young people with disabilities

Benefits

We value our staff and aim to provide a supportive working environment. Benefits include:

Competitive pay
Opportunities for training and professional development
Supportive team culture

Apply today - we are looking forward to hearing from you!