Job Description

Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC622203
Salary Range: 12.56 per Hour
Work Location: Copythorne Infant School, Southampton
Hours per week: 17.50 - Monday - Friday
Contract Type: Term Time Only, Temporary maternity cover until July 2026
Closing Date: 11th September 2025
Need a term time only job?
Come and join our team
We are looking for an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our busy team preparing and serving freshly prepared healthy, nutritious school meals as well as setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas. Our Catering Assistants work term time, during school hours.
It's a rewarding job, and we'll give you all the training you need to succeed, we have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and progress.
You'll need to enjoy being part of a team, serving lunch on time is essential, so you must be able to cope in a busy environment and work well under pressure.
If you have experience of working in a catering environment that would be an advantage, but it's not essential.
Help prepare, cook and serve lunch to pupils following strict Hygiene and Safety rules. Carry out other kitchen tasks, including cleaning, setting up and clearing the school dining hall or eating areas.
What you'll do:

• Put away deliveries, rotate stock and carry out quantity, temperature and quality checks
• Follow specified portion control guidelines and special dietary requirements
• Encourage the children to try a variety of food
• Make packed lunches for school trips
• Handle cash on occasions, following our strict guidelines
• Keep to HC3S and Hampshire County Council health and safety, food safety and hygiene procedures

You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.
What we're looking for:

• Strong team player
• Ability to work in a busy fast paced environment
• Ability to cope with physical element of the job
• Able to cope working in a hot kitchen with variable temperatures

Why join us?

• Comprehensive new starter induction programme
• Term-time only working - no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
• A friendly supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• The chance to make a real impact on children's health and wellbeing

To find out more about us, visit our Education Catering work with us page
You will also benefit from a healthy package Including:-

• Uniform
• Full training and opportunities to progress
• A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Interest free travel loans and discounts.
• Employee Support Services.
• Family friendly policies.
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.

Additional Information:
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
If you'd like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.
Koryn Hurst, District Manager, on 07718974732
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Skills Required