Kitchen Assistant

About Abbey College Manchester

Abbey College Manchester was founded in 1990 and over the past thirty has become one of the leading providers of independent sixth form education in Greater Manchester. There are normally about 200-220 students in the college. Within this around 30% are from the Manchester area with the remainder coming from 40 different countries across Europe; Africa; Asia and the Americas.

We are a dynamic, exciting college, situated in the heart of Manchester providing high quality, flexible A Level, International Foundation and GCSE programmes. We have recently introduced two unique programmes to complement our offering; these being the Combined Studies Programme and the Academic Studies with Football, Basketball, Tennis or Cycling Training Programme.

Boarding Accommodation

Abbey College Manchester has approximately 100 students living in our boarding accommodation. About 30 students reside with our homestay families and 70 live in our Senior Boarding House (Clydesdale House) which we moved into in September 2021. Clydesdale House is a 5-10 minute walk from the main college building. Only students aged 16+ reside in this boarding house. The post holder would be taking responsibility for the students at Clydesdale House as described in the job description in conjunction with the Assistant Principal Pastoral and Boarding, Heads of House, Day Manager and Residential House Parents. The students live in clusters over four floors at Clydesdale House which are accessed only by Abbey College Manchester students and boarding staff.

Description of the post

The role of the Kitchen Assistant is to provide support to the Clydesdale House cook on 4 days and cook the evening meal on Saturdays. The duty is five days per week from 4-7pm during the week and 3-8pm on Saturdays. The normal days of working will be Tuesday to Saturday.

Responsibilities:

1.   Support the cook in her developing and establishing new menus and ensure these are displayed for students

2.   Ensure correct ingredients ordered/purchased in accordance with the menu from trusted outlets.

3.   Highlight any potential allergens/intolerances within the food to students via information board

4.   Check food condition and best before dates daily and ensure any “bad” food is disposed of correctly

5.   Ensure stock rotation so oldest food used first and menu to incorporate this

6.   Check fridge temperature as per guidelines

7.   Check freezer temperature as per guidelines

8.   Ensure kitchen area clean prior to commencing food preparation (daily)

9.   Support the cook with the preparation of food for the menu

10. Ensure work surfaces and equipment is cleaned throughout preparation and serving

11. Ensure food core temperature is checked and maintained to guidelines throughout serving period

12. Ensure kitchen area/oven cleaned after food service

13. Prepare and cook the evening meal on Saturdays on a weekly basis according to the published menu

Person specification

1. Personal skills and qualities

• High levels of personal and professional integrity
• Personal warmth, good rapport with students and colleagues
• Ability to cook nutritious food and provide an interesting and appropriate menu
• Honesty and integrity
• Approachability and flexibility are key to this role
• Be suitable to work with young people (DBS clearance)

2. Knowledge and experience

•  Hygiene certificate level 2 or higher
• Experience of cooking in this type of environment i.e. a school canteen or equivalent

Philosophy and Ethos

• High expectations for student attainment, personal development and conduct

Reporting to:

 Cook/Senior Houseparent

Safeguarding Statement

Candidates should be aware that all posts in the college involve responsibility for safeguarding children. The Abbey College Manchester Safeguarding Statement is as follows: “We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children and young people receive effective support, protection and justice”.

Abbey DLD Colleges is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. All staff are trained in child protection and understand to report concerns by following the safeguarding policies. We ensure all candidates are properly police-checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.