Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

Location: Courtlands School, Widney Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS

FTE Salary: NJC Grade B, Point 3–4; £24,786 - £25,185

Actual Annual Salary: £15,873 - £16,122 (Pro Rata)

Contract: Permanent, Part Time, 42 working weeks per year

Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–1:30pm

About the Role

We are looking to appoint a reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to support the preparation, cooking and serving of meals for our pupils. Working under the guidance of the Kitchen Manager, you will help ensure the smooth running of our school kitchen and maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and safety.

Key responsibilities include:

·       Assisting with food preparation, including washing, peeling and chopping ingredients.

·       Preparing simple meals, sandwiches, wraps, salads and packed lunches.

·       Serving food to pupils during lunchtime service.

·       Cleaning kitchen equipment, surfaces and food preparation areas.

·       Supporting stock rotation, deliveries and replenishment of supplies.

·       Following food hygiene, health and safety and safeguarding procedures at all times.

Full induction and on-the-job training will be provided.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• ·       Enjoys working as part of a team.

• ·       Has good literacy, numeracy and communication skills.

• ·       Can work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.

• ·       Understands the importance of food hygiene and health and safety procedures.

• ·       Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• ·       Shares the values and ethos of Reach South Academy Trust.

Previous experience in food preparation, catering or a school environment would be advantageous but is not essential. A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is desirable, although training can be provided.

About the School

Courtlands Special School Academy caters for primary-aged children with moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), autism, speech and language difficulties and other complex needs. Courtlands is a positive, supportive and aspirational environment where learning is tailored to meet the individual needs of every child.

About Reach South Academy Trust

We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.

We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.

These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.

Next Steps 

If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by calling the Recruitment team on 07759365064 or emailing us at recruitment@reachsouth.org.  

Closing date: for applications is 12th July 2026

Interview Date:  Interviews are provisionally booked for week commencing 20th July 2026

To apply for this opportunity, please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply now’ on the advert. 

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised. 

Opportunities and Benefits   

We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.  

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.  

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.