Catering Assistant

Job Overview

What skills and experience we're looking for Job Description We currently have a number of exciting opportunities for Catering Assistants to join our fantastic team at MEA Central. We are looking for a number of Catering Assistants to join our friendly and hardworking team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a busy, customer‑focused environment and takes pride in delivering high‑quality service. As part of our catering team, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of our school catering service.

These are permanent part‑time posts working either 16 hours
11.15am‑2.30pm or 10 hours
12.30pm‑2.30pm per week, term‑time only plus 5 INSET days.

The starting salary is £6,210 (10 hours) or £9,969 (16 hours) pro‑rata and the full‑time equivalent is £24,796 Grade 2. The start date for this post will be confirmed as soon as all pre‑employment checks are complete.

You’ll work as part of a supportive team to provide an efficient and effective catering service.

This includes preparing and serving food, setting up and cleaning dining areas, and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety.

• Preparing food, making sandwiches and operating tills
• Assisting with the setting up and serving of meals
• Cleaning kitchen equipment and dining furniture
• Ensuring compliance with Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations
• Providing excellent customer service to students and staff
• Supporting equal opportunities and inclusivity in our workplace

• Has experience in food preparation and service (school or catering experience desirable)
• Is reliable, enthusiastic, and a great team player
• Demonstrates excellent communication and customer service skills
• Works efficiently while maintaining high hygiene standard
• To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Equality Statement:
Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff (26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years’ service)
• Cycle scheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes – including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options – we’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• beyond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Please apply through Job Train:  CVs are not accepted.

Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self‑disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required.

Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including references.

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

For application support please contact us on  or email