About the Role
We are seeking a Catering Assistant to join the catering team and support the preparation, cooking and service of food within the school. Working under the direction of the Trust Catering Manager and the  School Chef, the role contributes to providing a positive dining experience for students and staff while maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and service of food.
• Serve food to students and staff in an efficient and friendly manner.
• Wash kitchen equipment and tableware.
• Clean kitchen equipment, dining areas and kitchen premises.
• Support the supervision of students in the dining area.
• Carry out other relevant duties as required by the school.

The Ideal Candidate

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification, or willingness to work towards this.
• Food Hygiene qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, colleagues and visitors.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively and follow procedures.
• Ability to support positive behaviour in areas used by students.
• Ability to work respectfully and inclusively with children and young people from a range of backgrounds.
• Understanding of confidentiality and appropriate handling of information.
• Preferably a car driver due to the semi-rural location.

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 5,000 students across eleven 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 brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

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

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge (MECE)

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is committed to ensuring students achieve their full potential and flourish in a school where expectations of both staff and students are high. We offer a rich and varied curriculum alongside an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

The school benefits from a smaller community feel, a semi-rural location in Sonning Common and strong professional development opportunities. Staff wellbeing is prioritised, supported by an active Wellbeing Group dedicated to supporting colleagues. Further information about MECE can be found here.

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.

If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application.

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.