Hours: 40 hours per week all year round, 5 days out of 7 Monday to Sunday, to include 1 day at the weekend. Predominantly 12pm – 8.30pm shifts.
Salary: From September £26,224 per annum
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. We operate an in-house fully catered service for pupils and staff which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. In addition, we hold numerous catered events and formal dinners each year.
We are seeking a Catering Assistant to join our busy and friendly team to assist with the delivery of high-quality meals and outstanding service to students, staff, and visitors in a professional and efficient manner. This is a fast paced and varied role where you’ll be involved in food preparation, serving and maintaining high standards of hygiene during the breakfast, lunch or dinner services. You will also assist with a range of school events and functions when required.
Ideally, you will have previous experience of working in a similar role within catering and have an understanding of food hygiene requirements, but full training will be given.
Main Duties
- Provide an efficient and friendly food service to pupils and staff
- Ensure that the salad counters and servery are clean and ready for each service
- Assist with any food preparation when required
- Work alongside the kitchen team and work across areas of the operation on a rota basis
- Ensure all food hygiene and Health & Safety requirements are carried out
Benefits Include
- Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions at 9%
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas shutdown.
- Delicious free meals while on duty
- Life insurance & critical illness cover
- Discounted school fees
- A supportive induction programme
- Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location
- Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the advert on our website at https://www.downehouse.net/about/vacancies/
Please send your completed application form to recruitment@downehouse.net
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.
For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email recuitment@downehouse.net
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.
At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,224.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Thatcham RG18 9JJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 18/08/2025