- Ipswich School
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Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
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Salary: £9,897 per annum
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Hours: Part time, term time only
- Contract: Temporary. Required from 1 September 2026
- Reference: 5325
Ipswich School is seeking a motivated and reliable Catering Assistant / Pot-Washer to join our busy Catering Department.
You will primarily be based in the Senior School Kitchen but may also be required to work in the dining servery during lunch service or provide support within the Prep School or The Lodge Day Nursery when required.
Responsible to
The Pot-Washer/Catering Assistant is responsible to the Hospitality and Catering Personnel Manager, Catering Operations Manager and Head Chef.
Purpose of the role
To assist in maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic kitchen environment by ensuring all pots, pans, utensils and kitchen equipment are cleaned and sanitised to a high standard. You will follow the daily cleaning schedule and support the smooth operation of the kitchen.
Principle duties:
wash, rinse and sanitise dishes, pots, pans, utensils and kitchen equipment
maintain a clean and organised pot wash area
operate the commercial pot wash machine efficiently
ensure clean equipment is readily available for chefs during food preparation and service
sweep, mop and clean floors, work surfaces and kitchen equipment
clean large kitchen equipment, including industrial fryers and the brat pan
empty waste bins and recycling containers safely
provide a polite, helpful and professional service to pupils, staff and visitors at all times
adhere to COSHH regulations and always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment
report damaged or faulty equipment to the Hospitality and Catering Personnel Manager, Catering Operations Manager or Head Chef
work safely at all times and deal with spillages immediately
complete the daily cleaning schedule following service, ensuring all work areas are clean, sanitised and free from waste
sweep and mop the kitchen daily between 3.00 pm and 3.45 pm.
Hygiene, health and safety:
wear the uniform and personal protective equipment provided
jewellery should not be worn whilst on duty
adhere to the School's Health, Safety and Welfare Policy at all times
use cleaning chemicals only as instructed and ensure they remain in their correctly labelled containers
maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness throughout the working day.
Other duties:
attend mandatory Food Hygiene, Safeguarding and other training as required.
undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the post.
This list is not exhaustive, and duties may be amended from time to time to meet the operational needs of the school.
Person specification
You will demonstrate:
good interpersonal and communication skills
the ability to work effectively as part of a team
reliability and punctuality
flexibility and willingness to provide additional cover when required
a positive attitude and strong work ethic
good attention to detail
the ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.
Hours of work, pay and benefits:
this is a part-time, term-time only position
working hours are Monday to Friday, 10.45 am – 3.45 pm, including a 15-minute unpaid break
this equates to 22.25 hours per week, worked over 35 weeks per year during Ipswich School term time
one or two additional days will be required before the start and after the end of each term to undertake deep cleaning, as directed
attendance is required for two INSET days before the start of the Michaelmas Term for staff training and development
additional paid hours may be available from time to time
the salary for the hours described is £9,897.91 per annum (based on a full academic year). A pro rata salary will be paid for the actual period worked
the salary includes statutory holiday pay. Annual leave must be taken during School holiday periods
salaries are paid monthly in arrears by BACS on the last working day of each month
following three months' service, employees are eligible to join the school’s defined contribution pension scheme and receive three times salary death-in-service benefit
staff may use the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (subject to the appropriate regulations)
meals are provided whilst on duty.
How to apply
To apply, please complete an application form on our website
Completed application forms should be posted to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or emailed to [email protected]
Closing date: 1 pm, 31 July 2026.
Interview date: week commencing 3 August 2026.
Please advise us of any reasonable adjustments or special requirements should you be invited to interview.
Safeguarding
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment.
All employees are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people with whom they come into contact and must comply with the School's Safeguarding Policy at all times. Any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
All employees are expected to attend safeguarding training as directed by the school.
Ipswich School operates a No Smoking Policy. Compliance with this policy and all statutory restrictions on smoking is a condition of employment.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.
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