Kitchen Assistant

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:     £9,455.20 per annum (£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

Looking for a rewarding part-time role where your work has a real impact?

At Strawberry Lane School, we're looking for a friendly and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our welcoming catering team. Every meal you help prepare and serve plays an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and happiness of our pupils, helping them feel ready to learn and thrive throughout the school day.

This is more than a kitchen role. You'll be part of a close-knit school community where your contribution is valued, working alongside a supportive team to provide nutritious meals in a safe, clean and welcoming environment.

If you enjoy working as part of a team, take pride in maintaining high standards and are looking for a role that offers a great work-life balance with term-time only hours, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Help prepare, serve and present nutritious meals, including those for pupils with special dietary requirements.
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, organisation and food hygiene.
• Clean kitchen equipment, food preparation areas and dining spaces to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Follow food safety, health and safety and COSHH procedures at all times.
• Assist with stock rotation, deliveries and reporting when supplies need replenishing.
• Help create a calm, positive dining experience for pupils during mealtimes.
• Support lunchtime supervision, promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
• Report any maintenance, food safety or safeguarding concerns promptly.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Is enthusiastic, reliable and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Takes pride in delivering excellent standards of cleanliness and food hygiene.
• Has an understanding of food preparation and safe kitchen practices (previous catering experience is desirable but not essential).
• Can work efficiently in a busy environment and follow established routines.
• Is physically able to carry out manual handling tasks, including moving equipment and food supplies.
• Has a positive attitude and enjoys helping create a welcoming environment for children and colleagues.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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.

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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