Team Staffing – School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Painswick | Training Provided

Job Title: School Kitchen Assistant – Painswick

Location: Painswick, Gloucestershire

Salary: £11.50 – £12.00 per hour

Hours: Term-time only, typically 25-30 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Main Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and serving of nutritious school meals
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards
• Help with food storage and stock rotation
• Assist with basic food preparation tasks
• Clean kitchen equipment and utensils
• Support the setup and cleanup of dining areas
• Follow food safety and handling procedures
• Assist with receiving and checking deliveries
• Help maintain kitchen inventory

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 (or willing to obtain)
• Basic understanding of food safety regulations
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good communication skills
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry kitchen equipment
• Basic understanding of dietary requirements

Experience

• Previous kitchen or catering experience preferred but not essential
• Experience working in a school environment is beneficial
• Understanding of COSHH regulations desirable
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures

Additional Information

• School term-time working pattern
• Pension scheme available
• Free school meals during working hours
• Uniform provided
• Training and development opportunities
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• DBS check required

Various Positions Available

1. Morning Kitchen Assistant
   • Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Pay Rate: £11.50 per hour
2. Lunchtime Kitchen Assistant
   • Hours: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Pay Rate: £12.00 per hour
3. Senior Kitchen Assistant
   • Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Pay Rate: £13.00 per hour
   • Additional supervisory responsibilities

Benefits

• 5.6 weeks paid holiday (pro-rata)
• Local government pension scheme
• Employee assistance program
• Career progression opportunities
• Regular training updates
• Flexible working patterns available

This role would suit candidates who:

• Are passionate about providing healthy meals for children
• Enjoy working in a busy school environment
• Have a positive and flexible approach
• Are reliable and punctual
• Can maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization

To apply, candidates must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Pass an enhanced DBS check
• Provide satisfactory references
• Complete food hygiene training if not already certified

Introduction

The role of a school kitchen assistant in Painswick, a picturesque town in Gloucestershire, represents an essential position within the educational system. These dedicated professionals help ensure that students receive nutritious meals while maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. We explore the various aspects of school kitchen assistant jobs, including responsibilities, qualifications, working conditions, and career prospects in Painswick’s educational institutions.

Role and Responsibilities

School kitchen assistants in Painswick perform a wide range of duties crucial to the smooth operation of school meal services. Their primary responsibilities include food preparation, such as washing, peeling, and cutting vegetables, assisting with basic cooking tasks, and portioning meals according to prescribed guidelines. They also maintain kitchen cleanliness, operate various kitchen equipment, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Additionally, these professionals must work collaboratively with other kitchen staff, including the head cook and catering manager, to meet service deadlines and maintain efficient workflow. They often assist in receiving and storing deliveries, checking stock levels, and reporting any equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues to appropriate personnel.

Required Qualifications and Skills

While formal qualifications are not always mandatory for entry-level kitchen assistant positions in Painswick schools, certain skills and attributes are essential for success in this role. Basic literacy and numeracy skills are required to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and maintain proper documentation. A food hygiene certificate, particularly Level 2, is often preferred by employers and may be obtained through various training providers.

Key skills that employers look for include:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness
• Physical stamina and ability to stand for extended periods
• Excellent teamwork and communication abilities
• Time management and organizational skills
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• Basic food preparation knowledge

Working Hours and Conditions

School kitchen assistant positions in Painswick typically follow the academic calendar, with work primarily during term time. Most roles offer part-time hours, usually coinciding with breakfast clubs, lunch service, and after-school programs. Working hours generally fall between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, depending on the specific requirements of each school.

The kitchen environment can be fast-paced, especially during peak serving times. Workers must be comfortable with standing for long periods, lifting moderate weights, and working in various temperature conditions. The role requires adherence to strict hygiene standards and the proper use of protective equipment, including hairnets, gloves, and appropriate footwear.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for school kitchen assistants in Painswick varies depending on experience, qualifications, and working hours. Entry-level positions typically start at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, with opportunities for increased earnings as experience grows. Many positions offer additional benefits, including:

• School holidays off
• Pension scheme enrollment
• Paid sick leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Staff discount programs
• Free or subsidized meals during working hours

Career Progression Opportunities

Starting as a kitchen assistant can lead to various career advancement opportunities within the school catering sector. With experience and additional qualifications, individuals can progress to roles such as:

• Senior kitchen assistant
• Cook
• Head cook
• Catering manager
• Food service supervisor
• Nutrition coordinator

Many employers support professional development through funded training programs and apprenticeships, allowing staff to gain relevant qualifications while working.

Health and Safety Considerations

School kitchen assistants must prioritize health and safety in their daily operations. This includes understanding and implementing food safety regulations, proper handling of kitchen equipment, and maintaining personal hygiene standards. Regular training is provided on topics such as:

• Food allergen awareness
• Manual handling techniques
• Fire safety procedures
• First aid
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations
• Cross-contamination prevention

Finding Employment Opportunities

Several channels exist for finding school kitchen assistant positions in Painswick:

• Local authority job boards
• School websites and newsletters
• Online job portals
• Local newspapers and community boards
• Recruitment agencies specializing in education sector roles
• Word-of-mouth referrals

Candidates should prepare a clear CV highlighting relevant experience and skills, along with references from previous employers if available. Many schools also require background checks and DBS clearance before employment can commence.

Impact on School Community

School kitchen assistants play a vital role in supporting student wellbeing and academic success. By helping to provide nutritious meals, they contribute to students’ physical health, cognitive function, and overall school experience. Their work also supports the broader school community by:

• Promoting healthy eating habits
• Supporting special dietary requirements
• Contributing to food education initiatives
• Helping maintain a positive dining environment
• Supporting school events and functions

Challenges and Rewards

While working as a school kitchen assistant can be physically demanding and sometimes stressful during busy periods, many find the role highly rewarding. The position offers opportunities to:

• Make a positive impact on children’s lives
• Work within a supportive school community
• Develop valuable skills and knowledge
• Enjoy a good work-life balance
• Build lasting professional relationships
• Contribute to important educational outcomes

Future Outlook and Industry Trends

The school catering sector continues to evolve, with increasing focus on healthy eating, sustainability, and dietary inclusivity. Kitchen assistants may need to adapt to new developments such as:

• Enhanced food safety protocols
• Digital kitchen management systems
• Sustainable food practices
• Alternative dietary requirements
• New food preparation techniques
• Increased emphasis on local sourcing

Conclusion

School kitchen assistant positions in Painswick offer rewarding opportunities for those interested in food service within an educational setting. While the role requires hard work and dedication, it provides stable employment, good working conditions, and the satisfaction of contributing to students’ wellbeing. With various progression opportunities and the chance to develop valuable skills, this career path can be an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful work in the education sector.

For individuals considering this career path, the combination of practical skills, personal satisfaction, and potential for advancement makes it an attractive option. The role’s importance in supporting educational outcomes and student welfare ensures continued demand for dedicated professionals in this field. Whether starting a career in food service or seeking a change of direction, school kitchen assistant positions in Painswick offer a viable and rewarding career choice.

FAQs – Find School Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Painswick with Team Staffing Agency

What qualifications do I need to become a School Kitchen Assistant in Painswick?

A: Basic food hygiene certification is essential. While formal culinary qualifications are beneficial, they’re not always mandatory. Most schools provide on-the-job training.

What are the typical working hours?

A: School Kitchen Assistants usually work term-time only, typically Monday to Friday, with hours ranging from 10-25 hours per week. Shifts generally run from early morning until after lunch service.

What are the main responsibilities of a School Kitchen Assistant?

A: Key duties include food preparation, serving meals, cleaning kitchen areas, maintaining hygiene standards, assisting with stock rotation, and following food safety regulations. You may also help with basic cooking tasks.

Is previous catering experience required?

A: While experience is advantageous, many schools welcome candidates with transferable skills such as good teamwork abilities, attention to detail, and a passion for food service. Training will be provided.

What career progression opportunities are available?

A: Kitchen Assistants can progress to senior positions such as Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, or Catering Manager with experience and additional qualifications. Some may move into other areas of school support services.