Catering Assistant
Maiden Erlegh School, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7HS25 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
31 July 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
3 July 2026
Job details
Job role
- Catering, cleaning and site management
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £10,199.00 Annually (Actual) Grade 3 SCP 5-6. Working 17.5 hours a week Term Time Only plus 2 INSET days
Catering Assistant job summary
We are seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join Maiden Erlegh School. This role will support the effective daily operation of the school’s catering provision through the preparation, cooking and service of food, alongside related catering and cleaning duties. The postholder will work under the direction of the Catering Manager and Chef and will help ensure that students can access a clean, safe, efficient and welcoming dining environment during the school day.
As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Assist with the preparation and service of food.
- Support the preparation of food and catering areas so that food service runs safely, efficiently and in line with expected standards.
- Serve food in an efficient and friendly manner.
- Follow catering procedures, hygiene expectations and cleaning routines accurately.
- Maintain standards when handling kitchen equipment, tableware and catering areas.
- Support the supervision of students in the dining area.
- Contribute to a calm, safe and orderly dining environment.
- Interact with students, colleagues and visitors in a respectful, friendly and professional manner.
- Wash up kitchen equipment and tableware.
- Clean dining areas, kitchen premises and kitchen equipment.
- Work in line with school and Trust policies, procedures and expectations.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
- A Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to undertake training.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to use tact, sensitivity and diplomacy when dealing with others.
- The ability to organise their own time, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a catering environment.
- Good attention to detail when maintaining standards and following procedures.
- The ability to support positive behaviour and follow school expectations when working in areas used by students.
- The ability to maintain clean, safe and hygienic kitchen, dining and equipment areas.
- A cooperative, professional and student-focused approach.
Maiden Erlegh School (MES)
Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11-18, located in Lower Earley, near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive, and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious.
Academic outcomes continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8, alongside a thriving sixth form.
Staff are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues.
ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.
Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:
Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes
Mental Health First Aid Support
Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
Employee Referral Scheme
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Maiden Erlegh School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1841 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Maiden Erlegh School website
Maiden Erlegh School is an Outstanding 11-19 secondary school in Wokingham, Berkshire and a part of Maiden Erlegh Trust.
School location
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