Kitchen Assistant

• New Skill Centre SEN School
• Address: New Skill Centre, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9QR
• Salary: £25,155 per annum (pro rata), £13,733.16 per annum (Actual salary)
• Hours: 25 hours per week, 9.30 am - 2.30 pm, Monday - Friday
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 5540

New Skill Centre SEN School are looking for a motivated, reliable, and hardworking Kitchen Assistant / Assistant Chef to join our friendly school catering team.

You will work closely with the school Chef and Office Manager to help prepare, cook, and serve nutritious, high-quality meals to our students. This is a rewarding role ideal for someone who enjoys a busy friendly kitchen environment.

The New Skill Centre is an Independent SEND School catering for the needs of young people aged 11 to 19 years old. It is a busy and supportive school environment with a dedicated friendly and welcoming staff team.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the basic preparation, cooking, and assembly of fresh food and beverages in line with school menus.
• Set up service counters, display food attractively, and serve meals with a friendly, welcoming customer service approach.
• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation across the kitchen, and equipment.
• Assist with the safe receipt, checking, and storage of daily food deliveries and inventory.
• Adhere strictly to all health, safety, food hygiene, and allergen control regulations.

What you will need

• Experience: Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, school catering, or food service role is preferred, though a positive attitude and willingness to learn are most important.
• Certifications: Hold (or be willing to work towards) a Level 2 Food Hygiene / Safety Certificate.
• Team Player: Able to work well independently and as part of a supportive team in a busy school environment.
• Safeguarding: Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Requirements and Checks: This post involves working in regulated activity with children and requires a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

What we will offer you

• Family-friendly working hours (Monday to Friday, term-time only).
• No late nights, weekends, or bank holidays.
• Supportive and welcoming workplace environment.
• Pension scheme and ongoing training opportunities.

For more information

You are welcome to arrange a visit and meet with the Headteacher to discuss details of the position by contacting the school by either calling 01473 290276 (Option 2) or emailing nicola.shaw@iansc.org

To find out more about our School, please visit the school website.

How to apply

To apply, please send a copy of your CV (Curriculum Vitae) with a Covering Letter by email to nicola.shaw@iansc.org

Alternatively, please post these, to arrive prior to the closing date, to:

Mrs N Shaw, Office Manager, New Skill Centre SEND School, Wolsey House, 2-5 The Drift, Nacton Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9QR.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 12 October 2026.