Catering Assistant

Shorefields; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 11,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Chelmsford is looking for a reliable Catering Assistant to join the school catering team. Responsibilities include cooking, serving food, and general cleaning duties. Previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided. This part-time role is a great opportunity for those looking to gain experience in a supportive environment, with flexible working hours during term time.

Qualifications

• Reliable and able to work well within a team.
• Good attention to detail in cleaning and food preparation.
• Willing to undertake training as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform general cleaning duties.
• Cook basic food and prepare salads and sandwiches.
• Serve food from various serving points.

Skills

Good organisational skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to undertake training

Teamwork

Education

Basic Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC4390-468 Position Type: Catering Pay Range: Actual salary £10,657

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 27/02/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: To be confirmed

Actual salary £10,657 working term time only plus an occasional inset day

Required as soon as possible.

An opportunity has arisen for a catering assistant to join our busy school catering team. Previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• all general cleaning duties, including all equipment and machines;
• basic cooking of food, preparing and making salads, sandwiches etc;
• serving from the main kitchen counter, mini diner or sixth form;
• ability to work on own initiative manning our sixth form coffee shop if required;
• being responsible for temperatures of food, fridges, freezers;
• handling money from cash machines;
• making sure stock is in rotation;
• setting out of tables for lunch and then putting them away at the end of service;
• preparing and setting out water jugs and cups ready for students;
• supervise the students in the queue and manage them as they move around the diner;
• ensure the tables are kept clear and clean;
• sweeping the dining areas at the end of service;
• support and monitor students during lunch services;

In addition

• to attend any training activities and/or meetings as required; and abiding by all COSHH regulations and follow all health and safety rules and regulations;
• to maintain a high standard of personal and general cleanliness and hygiene to comply with statutory and school regulations.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Reliable with the ability to work well within a team
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to undertake any appropriate training

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working in a large kitchen
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations
• Basic Hygiene Certificate
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in relation to working in a school kitchen

Please apply using the online application form. Please note only fully completed application forms will be considered, CVs on their own will not be accepted.

Information about the School

Great Baddow High School is a happy and successful 11-18 school benefitting from a large site and excellent specialist accommodation.

Our curriculum, enhanced by many enrichment opportunities, clubs, trips and visits, is and varied. We aim to support students in achieving their potential both academically and as well‑rounded, confident individuals; we are equally committed to the professional development of our staff.

We believe that high expectations in a disciplined but friendly learning environment are essential and respect for oneself and others underpins this. Outstanding pastoral care ensures students feel happy and safe and are, therefore, best placed to succeed.

Many of our students progress into our Sixth Form where they are joined by others from elsewhere. They make an important contribution to the life of the school, involving themselves in a wide range of activities including World Challenge, and supporting younger students in a variety of ways. Sixth formers enjoy their own common room, café and study areas.

Great Baddow High School Specialises in Science and Sport and is a centre of excellence.

We deliver a high quality education in science that challenges and stimulates students. The sciences are popular A Level subjects with many students choosing science‑based courses at university. We promote many vocational and enrichment opportunities, including STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to enrich learning experiences.

Specialising in sports since 2004, our sports facilities, teaching expertise and extra‑curricular provision are outstanding. Our students enjoy sporting success at district and national level and benefit from an exceptional extra‑curricular programme although our ethos is centred on participation for all.

Great Baddow High School is part of Quantum Multi‑Academy Trust; a collaborative family of eight schools united by a shared commitment to excellence in education and a deep sense of community.

QMAT is a dynamic and forward‑thinking trust, comprising of one large secondary school and seven thriving primary schools, all rated Good or better by Ofsted. Our schools are united by a shared culture of excellence, where relationships, opportunity, care, and kindness are at the heart of everything we do.

We set high standards and expectations, nurturing the potential in every child and empowering them to forge successful pathways for the future. Our ethos is not just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it—with integrity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to improvement.

To find out more about QMAT or to view trust 'Policies, GDPR & Privacy Notices' or 'Governance' information visit the website: www.qmat.co.uk

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.