General Catering Assistant

Post title: General Catering Assistant

Reporting to: Chef/ Catering Manager

The following information is furnished to assist staff joining the Academy to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they are to play in the organisation. However, the following points should be noted:

Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings therefore may have been used below; in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

Main purpose

The Catering Assistant will play a key role in the smooth running of the school's kitchen and dining services by assisting in food preparation and service, including basic cooking tasks, supporting the School Chef/Catering Manager, and maintaining strict health and safety and hygiene standards. They will also be responsible for supporting the break and lunchtime service.

Duties and responsibilities

PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE POST

To work closely with the Catering Partner in order to maximise sales, whilst ensuring that the highest standards of service are provided for students and staff alike.

Basic food preparation, general catering duties.

Customer service.

Till operation in accordance with academy procedures.

Cleaning of all areas within the business both front and back of house.

The carrying out of hygiene, health and safety policies and practices and COSHH regulations in line with the contractors documented schedules and due diligence practices.

Transportation of goods to satellite areas within the academy.

SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE

Responsible to the Chef/Catering Manager referring complex issues for guidance but expected to work with minimal supervision and be proactive.

RANGE OF DUTIES

Basic food preparation from salads, sandwiches and cooking of hot food etc. in accordance with academy procedures.

Liaise with students and staff alike in all aspects of the service and a maintenance of excellent customer service and care.

To maintain academy property and equipment to a safe standard and that all defects are reported to your line manager.

Fixture and fittings to be cleaned in accordance with cleaning schedules.

Transportation of goods to other areas within the academy and stocking of fridges etc.

Ensure that all required health and safety and food safety procedures are followed as per standard practices.

Carry out duties and responsibilities as instructed by the Chef/Manager to meet the changing needs of the academy.

Other Specific Duties:

It is essential for all employees to demonstrate a flexible approach to undertaking tasks and responsibilities.

To contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the academy.

To participate in professional and personal development programmes as required, including training and performance review.

To be aware of, and comply with, policies and procedures relating to child protection and safeguarding, reporting any concerns to a designated person.

To be aware of, and comply with all academy policies and procedures including health & safety; security; confidentiality; equality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate member of senior leadership team.

To appreciate and support the work of other professionals.

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

NOTE

As an equal rights employer we are committed to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job role and working environment that enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.

Person Specification

Post Title: General Catering Assistant

	Essential	Desirable	Evidence base
Qualifications	Good level of general education.	Formal catering qualifications NVQ 1 or equivalent. Food Hygiene qualification.	Application form Interview
Experience	No formal training is required as on the job training will be provided.	Experience of working in a commercial catering operation etc. Experience of working with children.	Application form Interview References
Training	Willingness to undertake training in relevant areas.	Relevant catering training. Relevant safeguarding training.	Application form Interview
Specialist knowledge	Knowledge of basic food preparation. Ability to understand oral instructions. Knowledge, understanding and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Ability to read and write in English.	Awareness of requirements under Health & Safety regulations. Experience of till operation at any level Basic numeracy skills	Application form Interview

This Personnel Specification

This personnel specification describes the job requirements on which the short listing and selection decision will be based. To be selected for an interview you must be able to show that you meet all the ‘essential’ requirements for the post. The very best candidates are most likely to also meet the ‘desirable’ criteria. To ensure that the short-listing panel can make a proper assessment of your suitability for the post, please ensure that the application shows how you meet the requirements set out in the personnel specification.

General Catering Assistant

Band 3 NJC 3

Actual Salary starting at £9,047.08

Term Time Plus 1 Week

Required: 1st September 2026 or Soonest there after

Bradford Forster Academy is an 11-16 Church of England secondary Academy and part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), a growing Christian Multi-Academy Trust based in Bradford. The Academy opened on 1 September 2015 and now has approximately 1000 students on roll. Within BDAT there is an exciting opportunity to work across a variety of growing diverse schools.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and approachable Catering Assistant a true Kitchen Rockstar! You will promote a professional, delicious, and courteous service that is consistent with the academy’s ethos (and maybe their collective sweet tooth!).

The successful person will be a Food Prep Ninja, assisting in all kitchen operations from crafting perfect portions to ensuring our hygiene standards are sparkle-clean. You will be self-motivated, exceptionally well organised (especially when faced with a lunchtime rush!), and a fantastic team player. If you are looking to join an academy with a culture of professional learning and reflection, where your efforts fuel the future generation, then please step up to the plate—we want to hear from you!

The successful candidate will:

A good level of general education

Knowledge of basic food preparation

An ability to understand oral instructions and an ability to read and write in English

A willingness to undertake training in relevant areas (full training will be provided)

A caring approach and willingness to work with students

We can offer you:

An attractive, very well resourced working environment

Effective and supportive colleagues

Friendly and well behaved students

Opportunities for personal and professional development

Closing Date: Wednesday 1st July 2026

For full details, application form with information pack, please visit the MyNewTerm website

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced criminal records check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).