Catering Assistant

Birch Hill Primary School is seeking to appoint a reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking Catering Assistant to join our catering team to cover a Maternity Leave. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy school environment and is committed to providing a high-quality catering service for our pupils and colleagues.

The successful candidate will support the preparation and serving of meals, help maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment and contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for all pupils.

We are looking for someone who:

Has a positive and flexible approach to work

Works well as part of a team

Has good communication and interpersonal skills

Can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Understands the importance of hygiene, food safety and health and safety requirements

Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation and serving of food and drinks

Set up and clear away dining areas

Operate kitchen equipment safely and appropriately

Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen and dining areas

Wash utensils, crockery and kitchen equipment

Support stock rotation and storage procedures

Follow food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures at all times

Provide a friendly and welcoming service to pupils, colleagues and visitors

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be dependable, organised and able to work effectively within a team. Previous catering or kitchen experience would be beneficial, although training will be provided for the right candidate. A commitment to delivering a high-quality service and supporting the wider school community is essential.

Birch Hill Primary School (BHP)

Birch Hill Primary School is a two-form entry community school serving the Birch Hill and Hanworth areas of Bracknell Forest. In addition to the main school, we offer a nursery and a Specialist Resource Provision for children with ASD and MLD.

Our motto, Learn, Believe, Achieve Together, underpins our commitment to high standards, strong partnerships with parents and a curriculum that builds confidence and aspiration.

The school offers a calm, purposeful working environment set within spacious grounds, supported by a dedicated and inclusive staff team.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

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