We are seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join Maiden Erlegh School. This role will support the effective daily operation of the school’s catering provision through the preparation, cooking and service of food, alongside related catering and cleaning duties. The postholder will work under the direction of the Catering Manager and Chef and will help ensure that students can access a clean, safe, efficient and welcoming dining environment during the school day.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Assist with the preparation and service of food.
• Support the preparation of food and catering areas so that food service runs safely, efficiently and in line with expected standards.
• Serve food in an efficient and friendly manner.
• Follow catering procedures, hygiene expectations and cleaning routines accurately.
• Maintain standards when handling kitchen equipment, tableware and catering areas.
• Support the supervision of students in the dining area.
• Contribute to a calm, safe and orderly dining environment.
• Interact with students, colleagues and visitors in a respectful, friendly and professional manner.
• Wash up kitchen equipment and tableware.
• Clean dining areas, kitchen premises and kitchen equipment.
• Work in line with school and Trust policies, procedures and expectations.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• A Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to undertake training.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to use tact, sensitivity and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• The ability to organise their own time, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a catering environment.
• Good attention to detail when maintaining standards and following procedures.
• The ability to support positive behaviour and follow school expectations when working in areas used by students.
• The ability to maintain clean, safe and hygienic kitchen, dining and equipment areas.
• A cooperative, professional and student-focused approach.

 Maiden Erlegh School (MES)

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11–18, located in Lower Earley, near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive, and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious.

Academic outcomes continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8, alongside a thriving sixth form.

Staff are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.