Outcomes First Group
Kitchen Assistant
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Full Job Description
We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work
Position: Kitchen Assistant
Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE
Salary: £13.25 per hour (not pro rata)
Hours: 16 hours per week | Monday to Thursday - 3 hours, Friday - 4 hours
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
At Strawberry Lane School, we know that a healthy, nutritious meal plays an important part in every pupil's day. We're looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly catering team and help provide delicious, high-quality meals in a safe, welcoming environment.
If you enjoy working as part of a team, take pride in maintaining high standards, and want a rewarding role where you can make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Assisting with the preparation, cooking and serving of nutritious meals, including special dietary requirements.
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
- Cleaning kitchen equipment, food preparation areas and the dining hall to maintain excellent hygiene standards.
- Following all food safety, health & safety and hygiene regulations at all times.
- Monitoring food supplies, reporting shortages and supporting stock control.
- Assisting with meal service and helping to create a positive dining experience for pupils.
- Supporting lunchtime supervision to help ensure a safe, calm and enjoyable environment.
- Reporting any maintenance, food safety or pupil welfare concerns promptly to the appropriate member of staff.
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About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has an understanding of food preparation, kitchen hygiene and safe working practices.
- Has previous experience in a school, catering or commercial kitchen environment (desirable).
- Is comfortable carrying out manual handling tasks, including lifting food trays and moving equipment.
- Can work efficiently to deadlines and follow established routines.
- Is reliable, hardworking and enjoys being part of a supportive team.
- Understands the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries.
- Takes pride in delivering excellent service and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.
About Us
Strawberry Lane School is a brand-new specialist school in Bowburn, Durham, supporting 60 pupils aged 11–19 with autism, communication needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school celebrates each learner’s strengths while providing structure, guidance, and encouragement. Strawberry Lane empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
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Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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