Catering Assistant
Dodworth St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy, Barnsley
Two hours per day, Monday to Friday
Hours: 10 hours per week
Working pattern: Two hours each day, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, part-time and term-time only
Pay: NJC Grade 3, SCP 3
Actual salary: £5,616.50 per annum
Start date: 1 September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
Join our school kitchen team
We are looking for a friendly, reliable and hardworking Catering Assistant to join the team at Dodworth St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy.
Working for two hours each day during the school week, you will help prepare and serve meals, maintain high standards of food hygiene and contribute to a positive lunchtime experience for our pupils.
This permanent, term-time role may suit someone looking for a regular working pattern during the school day and the opportunity to become part of a welcoming school community.
About the role
As Catering Assistant, you will:
- Assist with the preparation and cooking of food, including vegetables, salads, sandwiches, snacks, desserts, sauces, gravies and custards.
- Portion and serve meals to pupils, staff and other diners.
- Encourage and support pupils during lunchtime in a warm, patient and positive manner.
- Ensure that meals are served with appropriate attention to quality, quantity and presentation.
- Pack and transport meals safely to the appropriate service points.
- Set up and clear dining areas, including moving counters, trolleys and furniture where required.
- Undertake washing up and clean kitchen surfaces, equipment, dining areas and storage spaces.
- Follow all food safety, allergen, hygiene, health and safety and cleanliness procedures.
- Monitor and record food temperatures as required.
- Help prevent cross-contamination and follow agreed arrangements for allergies and special diets.
- Complete simple kitchen paperwork under the direction of the Head of Kitchen.
- Assist with checking deliveries and report equipment faults promptly.
- Support food ordering and portion control in the absence of the Head of Kitchen, where required.
- Undertake other appropriate duties requested by the Head of Kitchen.
About you
We would like to hear from applicants who:
- Are dependable, punctual and ready to work as part of a team.
- Take pride in cleanliness, organisation and doing a job well.
- Can follow instructions and established food-safety procedures carefully.
- Are able to work efficiently during a busy lunch service.
- Communicate politely and positively with pupils, colleagues and visitors.
- Understand the importance of allergies, dietary requirements and preventing cross-contamination.
- Are willing to learn and undertake any necessary training.
- Enjoy working in an environment where children are at the heart of the organisation.
Previous catering or food-preparation experience would be helpful, but it is not essential for an applicant with the right attitude, reliability and willingness to learn.
Why join us?
At Dodworth St John’s, every member of staff contributes to the experience our pupils have in school. Lunchtime is an important part of the day, and our catering team plays a significant role in helping pupils feel welcomed, cared for and ready for the afternoon ahead.
We can offer:
- A permanent role working two hours each weekday.
- A term-time working pattern.
- A friendly and supportive school team.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to physical and mental health support, including nurses, counsellors, therapists, physiotherapists and medical services.
- GP consultations for employees and members of their household, available 24 hours a day throughout the year.
- A free annual flu vaccination.
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- A paid annual Wellbeing Day.
Dodworth St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy is part of Enhance Academy Trust, a forward-looking trust committed to supporting its schools, pupils and employees.
JP - Catering Assistant.docx
Apply today
Applications should be submitted through the Enhance Academy Trust recruitment portal. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Closing Date: 24/08/2026, 23:59pm
Safeguarding
Enhance Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The preferred candidate will be required to complete a self-disclosure form and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and other appropriate pre-employment checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search in line with statutory safeguarding guidance.
This post is covered by the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare (Disqualification) and Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) Regulations 2018.
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