Job Title: Catering Assistant Location: Meldreth, near Royston. Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border Contract Type: Permanent, Full time Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30am to 17:00pm, 52 weeks a year Hourly rate: £12.37 - £12.59 per hour (depending on skills/experience/qualifications) Annual Salary: £25,729.60 - £26,187.20 This School Situated in the village of Meldreth, just ten miles south of Cambridge, our services provide education, care, and therapeutic support for children and young people with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties. Set within 14 acres, our site includes: * Music and Art Rooms * Rebound Therapy * Hydrotherapy * Forestry School * Adapted Kitchens * Enterprise Schemes * Sensory Rooms * Hard and soft outdoor spaces The role: As a Catering Assistant, you will play a key role in creating a positive mealtime experience for our young people. You’ll assist with meal preparation and service, ensuring correct portioning, temperature control, and presentation standards. You’ll maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment and support inclusive, person-centred dining experiences. This is a hands-on role requiring a proactive and practical approach. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine passion for delivering excellent service. You should be comfortable working independently when needed and able to manage tasks efficiently in a busy environment. Due to the physical nature of the role—including manual handling and long periods of standing—a good level of physical fitness is essential. Key duties: * Assist the Senior Cook with meal preparation, ensuring food safety and portion control. * Maintain a hygienic kitchen environment, including cleaning equipment, surfaces, and floors. * Receive, check, and store food deliveries in line with food safety standards. * Ensure allergen information and labelling complies with Natasha’s Law. * Serve food respectfully, considering individual dietary needs and preferences. * Engage positively with young people during mealtimes, promoting independence and choice. * Carry out and record equipment and maintenance checks. * Respond appropriately to food-related emergencies, including allergic reactions. * Work independently when required, demonstrating initiative and attention to detail. * Contribute to continuous improvement of food service quality and experience. Duties will vary, you must expect to diversify and lend a hand wherever is required. Essential: Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety (Catering) Good to advanced IT literacy, specifically in Outlook and Excel Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (including COSHH, manual handling, and food hygiene) Knowledge of Natasha’s Law Good literacy, numeracy, and communication skills Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks Commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing Positive work attitude and attention to detail Desirable: * First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain) * Personal experience or knowledge of disability and inclusive practices What’s on Offer here? We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:
Job Title
Catering Assistant