Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, 39 weeks a year (term time plus 5 weeks). 12pm – 8pm, 5 days out of 7 Monday – Sunday, to include one day at the weekend.
Salary: £21,592 per annum
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. With a kitchen brigade of 15 which includes Chefs, Commis Chefs, Kitchen Assistants and Catering Stores staff, our catering department runs an in-house, fully catered service for pupils and staff, serving breakfast, lunch, tea and supper, 7 days a week during term time. We are a busy and committed team, providing meals to around 560 pupils and 450 staff. In addition, we hold numerous hospitality events and formal dinners throughout the year.
We are looking for an organised and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team. This is a varied role where you will be involved in the preparation and presentation of high quality fresh food, packed meals, cold buffet and deli bar food. Ideally, you will have previous experience of working in a similar role within catering or hospitality, and an understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements – however full training will be given.
Main Duties
- To support with the production of meals during the lunch and dinner service
- To assist with the day to day running of the kitchen, such as food prep for the salad/deli bar
- To support the production of all cold buffet services
- To maintain high standards of food presentation and quality at all times
- To ensure all food hygiene and Health & Safety requirements are carried out
Benefits Include
- Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions at 9%
- Delicious free meals while on duty
- Life insurance and critical illness cover
- A modern gym and swimming pool facilities available for staff use at set times
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the advert on our website 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: £21,592.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Berkshire 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
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £21,592.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person