Support Staff

General Kitchen Assistant – Job Description

Salary: £21,200 p.a

Location: Westminster

Contract type: Term-time + 5 days (Mon to Fri, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm, 27.5 hrs/week)

Contract term: Permanent

Start date: May 2026

Overview of the role

The General Kitchen Assistant will primarily be responsible for vegetable preparation and providing general support within the kitchen. Working under the direction of the kitchen team, the role involves carrying out a range of daily tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchen.

General responsibilities

• Supporting the Chef Manager in ensuring Halcyon’s Catering provision, policy, management and administration are in line with the schools needs.
• Providing assurance, long‑term sustainability and supporting the school’s mission, vision and objectives.
• Assisting the Chef Manager in the delivery, support and preparation for Catering Services.
• Ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, both in working methods and personal hygiene.
• Following the schools’ Health & Safety procedures, Safe Working Practice, HACCP, COSHH and Food Hygiene.
• Maintaining awareness of food allergies to avoid cross‑contamination.
• Reporting any damage, shortages or equipment faults to the Chef Manager, Finance and Operations Director.
• Reporting accidents to the First Aider, Chef Manager, Finance and Operations Director, and recording them in the accident book.
• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Actively advocating for Halcyon’s vision, mission, core aims, curricular commitments and philosophical values.
• Engaging with staff, students, parents, consultants and the wider school community to create a dynamic, aspirational and innovative culture.
• Being an active, lifelong learner.
• Working collaboratively, supporting school teams and prioritising workload.
• Working quickly and calmly under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

Specific responsibilities

• Preparing and cutting a variety of vegetables to required sizes and styles, using knives safely.
• Following instructions from the kitchen team throughout the shift.
• Supporting basic food preparation tasks when required.
• Assisting in the dining hall during lunch periods and organising the dining area appropriately.
• Collecting used dishes and cutlery, transporting them to the kitchen washroom.
• Cleaning up minor incidents promptly (e.g., food spillages, debris).
• Helping canteen staff clean all tables, sweep the floor and spot‑clean surfaces after lunch.
• Assisting with storage and organisation of kitchen equipment and dishes.
• Ensuring food preparation areas and equipment remain clean.
• Helping pack away food deliveries and new equipment.
• Reporting non‑working equipment and maintaining equipment records.
• Carrying out general kitchen tasks as required.
• Occasional overtime to support school functions and events.

Qualifications and experience

• Education to GCSE or equivalent.
• Experience and a proven background in a catering/kitchen environment and understanding of school catering service.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety Act, Food Safety Act and other relevant legislation.
• Understanding of basic weights and measures in relation to cooking and portion control.
• Attention to detail.
• Good communication skills – clear, articulate and professional in speaking and writing.
• Good time‑management skills.
• Ability to multitask, take initiative, work independently and/or within a productive team.

Personal attributes

• A strong international outlook or experience of living or working in an international environment.
• Desire to be part of a young, growing organisation.
• Self‑motivated, flexible and adaptable.
• Commitment to continued professional development.
• Record of suitability to work with children.

Desirable additional skills

• Knowledge or experience of international and/or IB schools.
• Familiarity with students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
• Collaboration within a multifunctional team.
• Innovative mindset and practice.
• Ability to work in a language apart from English.

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