Catering Assistant

🍎📚 Join Our Team as a Catering Assistant at Staple Hill Primary School! 📚🍎

Start date: 23/02/2026

Hours: 22.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 2pm), term time only to include INSET days (39 weeks).

Salary: Grade 14, £24,413 FTE per annum (Actual Salary based on weeks worked and hours: £12,769.34 p.a.)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 12/02/2026

Interview Date: 13/02/2026

The Role:

We are looking for someone to enhance our kitchen team to undertake a range of responsibilities such as: Food preparation, allergen labelling, general cleaning duties.

You will be part of a wonderful and supportive team under the daily supervision of the Catering Manager. We are looking for someone who can communicate well with children and adults, loves a busy work environment and has a joyful outlook.

The successful candidate will:

• Ideally has experience of working in a school kitchen environment but this is not essential can support the kitchen manager in running an effective lunch service.
• Can assist in the promotion of a healthy eating
• Is flexible and able to adapt to ensure a smooth running of our lunch service
• Maintains a calm and consistent approach to working with the children.
• Somebody who is able to communicate well with children, other staff and lead professionals
• Shares the school’s vision and values.
• Has a patient, empathetic and conscientious nature and who is committed to providing the best care and service for our children
• Possesses good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team

 Fluency Duty 

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to converse at ease with pupils, parents and other users and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

The School and Trust:

Staple Hill Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, a family comprising 17 schools (13 primary, 2 junior, and 2 infant school), all united in our common goal of creating outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in our local communities.

We can offer you:

• A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a dedicated and hard-working staff team.
• Professional Growth: We are committed to staff development and offer excellent CPD opportunities. Staff can also take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, allowing for practical experience and personal growth.
• Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 17 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
• Employee Wellbeing: We prioritise your wellbeing with an annual Wellbeing Day, active Wellbeing Committees, and access to a comprehensive medical benefits package — including physiotherapy, nursing support, surgical assistance, counselling, mental health services, and stress coaching. We’re committed to a healthy work-life balance and listen to staff through regular wellbeing surveys.
• Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, and discount retail platform to help you save money on various purchases.

We encourage you to browse our respective websites for more information about Staple Hill Primary School and The Leaf Trust.

📝 How to Apply

All applicants are advised to refer to the candidate information pack, which includes the job description and specification, before submitting an application. If you feel that your skills and experience match the requirements of this post then please submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability for the role. In order to do so, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CV’s.

If this job isn't quite the perfect fit for you at the moment, why not set up a job alert for The Leaf Trust or the school via Eteach? This way, you'll stay updated on our latest opportunities as soon as they arise. We're always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team. Whether it's now or in the future, seize the chance to be part of a supportive community where personal growth and success are celebrated through an unwavering commitment to excellence. Your next fulfilling chapter could be just around the corner!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.