Catering Assistant Vacancy

Purley Oaks; Croydon; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

A primary school in Croydon is seeking a committed individual for a part-time catering role. The position involves food preparation and maintaining high hygiene standards. Applicants must be enthusiastic, able to communicate effectively, and commit to safeguarding children's welfare. The role is permanent and part-time, with a starting salary between £10,463 and £10,610. Interviews will be held in December 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation is essential.
• Must maintain high personal hygiene standards.
• Strong communication skills with children and adults.
• Able to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• Ensure confidentiality in all matters.

Skills

Knowledge of food preparation

High standard of personal hygiene

Clear communication

Ability to work as part of a group and independently

Confidentiality

Crisis management

Willingness to undertake training

Promoting the school positively

Passion for providing good opportunities

Job description

Hours: 15 hours per week – term time only plus INSET (11.00am – 2.00pm daily)

Required for: ASAP

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Grade 1: £10,463 – £10,610 subject to national pay review

We have an exciting opportunity to join the catering team at Purley Oaks Primary School.

Are you enthusiastic, calm under pressure and able to communicate well with staff and children? If so, this could be the role for you.

We are looking for someone who is able to:

• have knowledge of food preparation
• display and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene
• talk to children and adults in a clear and calm manner
• work as part of a group and on their own
• respect confidential information
• remain calm in a crisis
• undertake appropriate training as required
• promote the school when talking to visitors, colleagues and members of the community
• demonstrate passion and enthusiasm to provide the very best opportunities and resources for all our children

Purley Oaks Primary School is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and the successful candidate will need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, evidence of right to work in the UK and two satisfactory references.

Photographic identification and certificates of all relevant qualifications will need to be provided at the interview stage.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

We aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all.

VISITS TO THE SCHOOL ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment to view by contacting Miss Smith (PA to Headteacher) on 020 8688 4268 or by emailing [e-mail] .

DATA PROTECTION

In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) the school is responsible for holding and protecting personal data. The school is required to share some data with the Local Authority, Croydon Council and the Department for Education. For further information on who we share data with please see our website for our Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices: www.purleyoaks.croydon.sch.uk/ .

Privacy notice for job applicants is available on our website .

APPLICATIONS

To apply for this position please complete the Support Staff Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms fully and provide a Supporting Statement which shows how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Application forms can be found on our website .

PLEASE NOTE AS A SAFER RECRUITMENT SCHOOL WE WILL TAKE UP REFERENCES PRIOR TO YOU BEING CALLED FOR INTERVIEW, UNLESS YOU CAN PROVIDE US WITH A VALID REASON FOR REFERENCES NOT TO BE TAKEN UP AT THIS STAGE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU PROVIDE TWO EMAIL ADDRESSES ON YOUR APPLICATION FORM FOR REFEREES TO BE CONTACTED.

Application forms and supporting statements should be submitted to:

Interviews: Thursday 11 th December 2025

Tenable: January 2026

*applications from suitable candidates who meet the person specification may be shortlisted and interviewed ahead of the closing date