Suffolk Jobs Direct
Catering Assistant
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Description
Ipswich School
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
Salary: £9,897 per annum
Hours: Part time, term time only
Contract: Temporary. Required from 1 September 2026
Reference: 5325
Ipswich School is seeking a motivated and reliable Catering Assistant / Pot-Washer to join our busy Catering Department.
You will primarily be based in the Senior School Kitchen but may also be required to work in the dining servery during lunch service or provide support within the Prep School or The Lodge Day Nursery when required.
Responsible to:
The Pot-Washer/Catering Assistant is responsible to the Hospitality and Catering Personnel Manager, Catering Operations Manager, and Head Chef.
Purpose of the role:
To assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment by ensuring all pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment are cleaned and sanitized to a high standard. You will follow the daily cleaning schedule and support the smooth operation of the kitchen.
Principle duties:
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment
- Maintain a clean and organized pot wash area
- Operate the commercial pot wash machine efficiently
- Ensure clean equipment is readily available for chefs during food preparation and service
- Sweep, mop, and clean floors, work surfaces, and kitchen equipment
- Clean large kitchen equipment, including industrial fryers and the brat pan
- Empty waste bins and recycling containers safely
- Provide a polite, helpful, and professional service to pupils, staff, and visitors at all times
- Adhere to COSHH regulations and always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment
- Report damaged or faulty equipment to the Hospitality and Catering Personnel Manager, Catering Operations Manager, or Head Chef
- Work safely at all times and deal with spillages immediately
- Complete the daily cleaning schedule following service, ensuring all work areas are clean, sanitized, and free from waste
- Sweep and mop the kitchen daily between 3.00 pm and 3.45 pm.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Hygiene, health, and safety:
- Wear the uniform and personal protective equipment provided
- Jewellery should not be worn whilst on duty
- Adhere to the School's Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy at all times
- Use cleaning chemicals only as instructed and ensure they remain in their correctly labeled containers
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness throughout the working day.
Other duties:
- Attend mandatory Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, and other training as required
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the post
This list is not exhaustive, and duties may be amended from time to time to meet the operational needs of the school.
Person specification:
You will demonstrate:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Reliability and punctuality
- Flexibility and willingness to provide additional cover when required
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Good attention to detail
- The ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment
Hours of work, pay, and benefits:
- This is a part-time, term-time only position
- Working hours are Monday to Friday, 10.45 am – 3.45 pm, including a 15-minute unpaid break
- This equates to 22.25 hours per week, worked over 35 weeks per year during Ipswich School term time
- One or two additional days will be required before the start and after the end of each term to undertake deep cleaning, as directed
- Attendance is required for two INSET days before the start of the Michaelmas Term for staff training and development
- Additional paid hours may be available from time to time
- The salary for the hours described is £9,897.91 per annum (based on a full academic year). A pro rata salary will be paid for the actual period worked
- The salary includes statutory holiday pay. Annual leave must be taken during School holiday periods
- Salaries are paid monthly in arrears by BACS on the last working day of each month
- Following three months' service, employees are eligible to join the school’s defined contribution pension scheme and receive three times salary death-in-service benefit
- Staff may use the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (subject to the appropriate regulations)
- Meals are provided whilst on duty.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
How To Apply:
To apply, please complete an application form on our website.
Completed application forms should be posted to: The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or emailed to hr@ipswich.school.
Closing date: 1 pm, 31 July 2026.
Interview date: week commencing 3 August 2026.
Please advise us of any reasonable adjustments or special requirements should you be invited to interview.
Safeguarding:
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment.
All employees are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people with whom they come into contact and must comply with the School's Safeguarding Policy at all times. Any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
All employees are expected to attend safeguarding training as directed by the school.
Ipswich School operates a No Smoking Policy. Compliance with this policy and all statutory restrictions on smoking is a condition of employment.
About The Team:
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.
This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.
The ‘Apply Now’ button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location