Kitchen Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Kitchen Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Part-time | Term Time Only | Fixed-Term Maternity Cover

The Pointer School is an independent Christian Prep and Pre-Prep School in Blackheath, South East London. We are seeking a hardworking, reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly catering team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract from September 2026.

Working alongside our experienced catering team, including a former double Michelin-starred Executive Chef, you will help provide fresh, nutritious meals for our pupils and staff while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food hygiene.

The Role

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will play an important role in the smooth day-to-day running of the school kitchen. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with basic food preparation.

• Serving meals to pupils and staff.

• Washing up crockery, cutlery and kitchen equipment.

• Cleaning and clearing all kitchen and food preparation areas.

• Unloading, checking and putting away deliveries.

• Emptying bins and maintaining clean, safe working areas.

• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is cleaned and stored correctly.

• Carrying out regular deep cleaning of fridges, cupboards and storage areas.

• Following food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures at all times.

• Supporting the wider catering team with the daily operation of the kitchen.

About You

The successful candidate will be:

• Reliable, punctual and hardworking.

• Friendly, positive and able to work well as part of a team.

• Able to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.

• Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene.

• Willing to undertake physical duties, including lifting, cleaning and standing for extended periods.

• Previous experience in a commercial or school kitchen is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided for the right candidate.

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday

8:30am to 2:30pm

Term time only (approximately 34 weeks per year, with around 18 weeks’ holiday).

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position commencing in September 2026 and is expected to continue until July 2027 or until the substantive postholder returns, whichever is sooner.

Salary

£14.80 per hour (Real London Living Wage)

We Can Offer

• A competitive salary and the opportunity to work for an exceptional organisation.

• The opportunity to work within a highly supportive and talented catering team, including working alongside a former double Michelin-starred Executive Chef.

• 50% fee discount (pro rata) for children attending the school.

• Career progression through continuing professional development and opportunities for internal promotion.

• Polite, enthusiastic children who are excited to learn within a caring and happy environment.

• A school community committed to doing the very best for every pupil.

• Family-friendly, term-time only working with approximately 18 weeks’ holiday each year.

The Pointer School is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of students and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that online searches will be conducted on all shortlisted candidates in line with KCSiE.