Catering Assistant
Full time, all year round
Starting ASAP
Executive Summary
We are seeking a motivated and reliable Catering Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will support the catering service by assisting with food preparation, service and maintaining cleanliness in food areas. This role plays a key part in delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality catering experience for all customers.
The successful candidate should enjoy working as part of a busy team, have excellent customer service skills, be friendly and enthusiastic. Good communication skills and flexibility is key. Some lifting is involved.
The hours of work will be 37.5 hours per week, five days out of seven, all year round
Catering at Headington Rye
The Catering Department consists of approximately 35 staff operating over two sites, Prep and Senior School. All the catering staff are directly employed by the School. We operate all year round with external lettings during the Summer and Easter Holidays.
Role Description
This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week, five days out of seven, all year round.
Key Responsibilities
- support the kitchen team in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment, assisting with food preparation and ensuring high standards of hygiene and customer service are maintained
- assist with basic food preparation tasks
- serve meals and refreshments in a professional and timely manner
- set up and clear down dining/service areas before and after meals
- wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment
- clean and maintain kitchen and service areas to required hygiene standards
- follow all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
- report any issues or hazards to the supervisor
- work as part of a team to ensure high-quality service
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- basic understanding of food hygiene and safety
- good level of spoken English
- willingness to undertake training (eg Food Hygiene Certificate Level 1 or 2)
Desirable
- previous experience working in a kitchen or catering environment
- Food Safety and Hygiene qualification
- experience in customer-facing roles (eg schools, care homes, or hospitality)
Personal Attributes and Skills
- reliable and punctual
- hardworking and flexible
- team player with a positive attitude
- good attention to hygiene and detail
- willing to learn and take direction
- calm under pressure
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Full time, 37.5 hours per week, five days out of seven, all year round. Hours between 6.00 am - 8.00 pm but mainly 6.30 am - 2.30 pm.
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff.
Hourly rate
£12.65 per hour
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
We will notify shortlisted applicants of interview arrangements after the closing date.
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK.
Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
