Catering Assistant

Job Title: Catering Assistant                                                                          

Location: Thames Valley School, Reading RG314BZ

Salary: £7,674 (fulltime equivalent £24,795)

Contract: Part time, Term Time Only

Start Date: October 2026

School Visit: Visits to the school can be arranged please contact the school reception on 0118 9424750.

We adhere to all the necessary safeguarding checks as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022, including checking ID documents on all site visits (entry will not be allowed without this), all pre-employment vetting checks must include; references from previous employers, an enhanced DBS with barred list check, a section 128 check and a check on the Teaching Regulation Agency.

Thames Valley School is an Autism Specific Specialist Free School seeking a Catering Assistant. This is a great and exciting opportunity for you to join a dynamic team and be part of the school’s journey in establishing excellence in the education of autistic pupils.

Every child is entitled to an education and every child deserves the best possible developmental opportunities so that they learn more and do more, preparing themselves for life after school. Our autistic pupils learn in happy and safe environments that are able to support their individual needs as autistic learners.

LAT Academies Trust currently includes two other free schools, Church Lawton School & Vanguard School. The schools work to maximise the standards, curriculum offer, training and employment opportunities. This role will enable you to influence & contribute to the future of the LAT Academies Trust schools.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a patient and caring individual who enjoys working with children to be part of our lunchtime team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation and service of all school meals, including:

  • Receiving daily meal deliveries ordered by parents/carers.

  • Recording food temperature checks in accordance with food safety procedures.

  • Plating students’ hot meals ready for service.

  • Labelling each individual student’s meal, including lunch boxes, ensuring any dietary and allergy requirements are clearly identified.

  • Serving meals to students in a safe, efficient and friendly manner.

• Ensuring all food preparation and kitchen areas are kept clean, hygienic and organised at all times.

• Completing and recording daily fridge temperature checks.

• Monitoring stock levels and ordering kitchen essentials as required.

• Loading and unloading the dishwasher, washing utensils and dishes, and ensuring all items are stored safely and appropriately.

• At the end of each lunchtime session, cleaning the kitchen and dining areas, including:

  • Clearing and cleaning dining tables.

  • Sweeping floors.

  • Emptying bins and disposing of waste appropriately.

• Reporting any faults or defects with kitchen equipment, as well as any unsafe working practices, to the appropriate member of staff.

• Maintaining compliance with the School’s food hygiene, health and safety procedures and standards at all times, including supporting with inspections.

• Completing all required and allocated training within the specified timeframes.

• Wearing appropriate protective clothing and footwear while carrying out duties.

• Ensuring the preparation, handling and service of all food is carried out in accordance with known allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements within the school community.

• Following the School’s procedures for the prevention of cross-contamination and taking particular care when handling and serving food for students with known allergies.

• Undertaking any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as directed by the Line Manager.

Successful completion of a Food Hygiene Training Course and Certificate for Schools is required prior to commencing employment. The training will be provided by the school.

Hours of work:

Monday – Friday

12 & ½ hours per week (11am – 1:30pm)

What we can offer you:

In addition to a competitive salary, the following benefits are offered: 

• Cycle scheme. 

• 24/7 employee assistance programme - a confidential support programme designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems. 

• Headspace membership - Headspace is a global leader in mindfulness and meditation through its app and online content. 

• Occupational sick pay. 

• A range of discounts from hundreds of retailers, accessible from mobile phones or using reloadable discount cards – the average user saves £565 per year. 

• Salary Finance - Our charity partner offers Salary Finance loans as a financial wellbeing benefit for our staff.

• Eyecare vouchers – employees who need glasses to use computer screens. 

• Pension.