Catering Assistant

📍 Location: Greater Manchester
📅 Start Date: September 2026
🕐 Hours: Part-Time / School Hours
💷 Pay: £14.62 per hour

Help Create Positive Mealtimes for Young People

Smile Education is recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive primary school in the Greater Manchester area, seeking a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join their school team.
The successful candidate will support the school's catering provision, helping to prepare and serve meals while maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with catering, hospitality, kitchen or school-based experience who enjoys working in a busy environment and contributing to a positive experience for children.

The Role
As a Catering Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the preparation and serving of school meals.
• Assisting with the setting up and clearing down of dining areas.
• Serving food and drinks to pupils and staff.
• Following food hygiene and health and safety procedures.
• Maintaining a clean and organised kitchen and dining environment.
• Washing and storing kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Supporting stock rotation and storage where required.
• Following allergen and dietary requirements carefully.
• Helping to create a welcoming and positive lunchtime environment.
• Working closely with catering and school staff.
• Reporting any concerns or issues to the appropriate member of staff.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Previous catering, hospitality, kitchen or food-service experience is desirable.
• A good understanding of food hygiene and safe working practices.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A friendly and approachable manner.
• The ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A reliable and responsible approach to work.
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding when working around children.
• A positive attitude and willingness to support the wider school team.

Why Work in Greater Manchester?
The role is based within Greater Manchester, providing an excellent opportunity for candidates living in or travelling from Manchester, Audenshaw, Denton, Droylsden, Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde, Openshaw and surrounding areas.
The area offers excellent transport links, established residential communities, local amenities, shops, cafés and leisure facilities. It is also well connected to Manchester city centre and surrounding towns, making school-based opportunities accessible to education and support staff across the region.

Requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• Previous catering or hospitality experience is desirable.
• Ability to provide appropriate employment and/or character references.
• Enhanced DBS Certificate registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Smile Education.
• Commitment to food hygiene, safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for these positions.

Registration & Compliance
Successful applicants will complete a registration appointment with Smile Education as part of our safeguarding and compliance process.
Once your application and required documentation have been received, we will arrange your registration appointment promptly so our compliance team can process your file efficiently and help you become available for work as quickly as possible.

Why Join Smile Education?

• September 2026 opportunities available.
• Flexible and ongoing education opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support.
• Competitive pay of £14.62 per hour.
• Weekly pay.
• Access to ongoing CPD and career development.
• Opportunities to work across local schools.
• £100 Joining Bonus – receive £100 after completing your first 10 days of work.*
• £200 Referral Bonus – recommend a friend or colleague and earn £200 once they complete the qualifying period.*

Safeguarding Commitment
Smile Education and our partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks.
• Verification of identity and relevant documentation.
• Employment and reference checks.
• Right to work checks.
• Online searches for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Apply Today
If you are an experienced Catering Assistant or have a background in hospitality, catering or food service and are looking for a rewarding school-based opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Smile Education can support you throughout your recruitment, safeguarding and compliance journey.

SM1ENQ

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.