Kitchen Assistant

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title:  Kitchen Assistant
Location:  Claystone School, Luton, LU1 4LL
Hours:       20 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 10.30am - 4pm
Salary:       £11,819 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent - Part time| Term Time Only
Start:         May 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

To undertake the task of supporting Cook/Supervisor with the preparation of meals and to perform domestic duties which ensure the safe production of food relevant to current food and health safety legislation. To also assist the cook in delivery of school meals and to assist with serving.

You will:

• Assist with the preparation, cooking and serving of meals, considering any special dietary needs.
• To assist with the clearing up and cleaning of the kitchen equipment, kitchen area and dining hall.
• Food preparation: both on site serving and for other schools if required.
• Ensure all health and safety and food hygiene regulations are maintained within the kitchen environment.
• Ensuring a good standard of cleanliness is maintained.
• Ensuring adequate food supplies.
• Reporting problems raised.
• Report any cancellations or extra meals needed and maintaining records.
• To assist in the lunchtime supervision of pupils to ensure that the meal is completed on time in a safe and hygienic setting.
• Report behaviour observations to a teacher in order for them to maintain the school’s standard of discipline and behaviour.

What We're Looking For

• Understanding of food preparation and kitchen hygiene
• Level 2 Food Hygiene - desirable
• Previous experience in a school kitchen or catering setting.
• Ability to carry out manual handling tasks (e.g., lifting food trays, moving equipment).
• Ability to work to set routines and timeframes.
• An understanding of safeguarding and the ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

About Us 

Claystone School – a brand-new specialist school in Luton for autistic children aged 4–11, recently opened in January 2025.

Situated in Pepperstock, Luton, Claystone School is a small, independent setting supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of additional learning difficulties. We provide a nurturing environment where each child’s unique strengths and contributions are recognised and celebrated, helping them 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.

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.

• 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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