Catering Assistant

Role overview

This permanent part-time Catering Assistant position is based at Ivy Lane Primary School in Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN15 1HE), within Pickwick Academy Trust. The role supports the school kitchen team with meal preparation and lunch service, while helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming dining environment for pupils.

The role is for 10 hours per week, across 38 weeks each year, covering term time only and excluding TD days. The usual working pattern is Monday to Friday, 11:15am to 1:15pm. Flexible working options can be discussed.

Salary is paid at B3, with an FTE of £24,796 per year and an actual salary of £5,616 per annum.

Key duties

You will help prepare and serve meals in a busy school kitchen, support the dining area before service, and clean and tidy the kitchen throughout and after lunch. The post also requires close attention to food hygiene standards in line with Food Standards Agency guidance.

About the school

Ivy Lane Primary School is a two-form entry primary school in the centre of Chippenham and forms part of Pickwick Academy Trust. The school also includes Sunflowers Nursery on site for children from age 3.

The school is guided by the principle of “Learning for Life” and places strong emphasis on outdoor learning, including Forest Schools provision, as well as social and emotional support for children. Its values are Learning, Environment, Others and Ourselves.

What the trust offers

Pickwick Academy Trust describes itself as a supportive, inclusive community across 21 schools, offering shared expertise, professional development, mentoring, and progression opportunities. Staff wellbeing and family-friendly working are highlighted as important priorities.

Additional information

The closing date is midday on Wednesday 1 July 2026. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 9 July 2026, and the anticipated start date is as soon as possible after interview. One position is available.

The successful candidate will contribute to a positive school community built on kindness, trust and shared goals.

Applications must be completed through MNT; CVs are not accepted. The school may close the vacancy early if enough suitable applications are received.

Safeguarding and recruitment checks

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those that are spent. An enhanced DBS check will be completed before employment begins.

References are requested at shortlisting stage and may be used during interview. If previous work involved children, at least one referee must be from that setting. Current Pickwick Academy School employees should use their current Headteacher as a referee, and all employment gaps must be explained.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and safer recruitment procedures, shortlisted candidates will also be subject to an online search using publicly available information.

Equality, diversity and support

Pickwick Academy Trust welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and encourages candidates from underrepresented groups. Reasonable adjustments are available for disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise supported applicants. Application support is available through the trust’s HR contact.

Personal statement guidance

Applicants are asked to provide a personal statement and answer which of the trust values resonates most with them, and why: Aspiration, Collaboration, Inclusion, Enjoyment or Nurturing Relationships.

Contact

For further information about the role, contact Mrs Kerry Nowosielski, Admin Officer, at admin@ivylane.wilts.sch.uk.