• Thurrock Council is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Catering Assistants/Cooks to join the School Meal Service.

• The role involves preparing, cooking, and delivering high-quality meals to pupils and staff across primary, secondary, and alternative provision schools within Thurrock.

• The successful candidates will work in a friendly, flexible environment, supporting the Catering Service to maintain high standards of food hygiene, customer care, and service delivery.

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals to pupils and staff in line with the Bronze Food for Life standards.

• Assist the Head of Kitchen in organising and supervising kitchen, counter, and dining hall activities.

• Promote the Catering Service and support awareness of new products, promotions, and changes in legislation.

• Ensure all food hygiene, allergy legislation, and food safety due diligence requirements are met.

• Clean and maintain kitchen, dining hall, and equipment, including setting up and clearing dining areas.

• Provide flexible cover across different school kitchens in Thurrock as required.

• Support initiatives to increase uptake of the school meals service.

• Experience working in catering, food preparation, or school meal services.

• Knowledge and training in Food Hygiene and Allergy Legislation.

• Ability to organise and supervise kitchen and dining hall activities.

• Strong customer service skills and a positive, can-do attitude.

• Flexibility to work across multiple sites within Thurrock.

• Awareness of food safety standards and compliance requirements.

• Teamwork skills and the ability to work in a busy school environment.

• The closing date: 23/01/2026.

• DBS is required.

• Part-time role: 15 Hr/week.