Working Pattern: Term Time

Working Arrangement: Part Time

Interview Type: In Person

Please Note: This role is paid on a term time only, pro rata basis. The Full Time Equivalent (FTE) salary shown above will be adjusted (pro rata) based on the number of weeks and hours you are contracted to work. The pro rata salary shown (in brackets) reflects this adjustment and will be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments throughout the year.

Real Living Wage Employer: We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer. This means we pay all our staff at least the Real Living Wage.

Where the lowest hourly rate falls below the Real Living Wage, we apply a pay supplement to bring earnings up to this level. This applies to employees on the lowest pay point of Band 1.

About You

If you are reliable and enthusiastic and want to feel part of the community spirit we would welcome your application to join our team.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure form will be required and processed for this appointment.

Our EPIC values are really important to us they are Empowering, People centred, Inclusive and Collaborative and they are a cornerstone for how we work with our partners and residents to help us achieve our vision to make Trafford a better place for everyone. If you share our values and have the same passion to make children and young people’s lives better then we want to hear from you.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, please contact Operational Services for Education Team on 0161 912 4461.

Why Trafford?

Behind every great school is a team of dedicated people who help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. At Trafford Council our cleaning and catering teams play a vital role in day-to-day school life, creating a clean and welcoming environment and providing nutritious meals that fuel young minds.

Trafford is a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive borough, serving over 235,000 residents across four thriving town centres. With more than 60 parks and green spaces and a strong network of schools at the heart of our communities, the work you’ll do every day truly matters.

Our Values...

Our culture is shaped by our EPIC Values. They guide how we treat one another, how we work alongside schools, and how we show care and respect for the children, families and communities we serve.

As part of our catering/cleaning team, you’ll be part of a team where you’re valued, respected and supported every day. If you share our values and have a passion for making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer:

  • Real Living Wage Commitment.
  • Flexible Perks: Access to discounted schemes such as cycle-to-work and home technology.
  • Pension Security: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, helping to protect your future.
  • Training and Development: Full training will be provided, with opportunities to gain food hygiene, health and safety and other role related training.
  • Wellbeing First: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, including free resources and toolkits, alongside free counselling and a 24/7 helpline.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme...

We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application form asks you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme. To find out more and if you qualify please click here. If you apply under this scheme you will need to demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section of the role profile.

Greater Manchester Continuous Service...

We will recognise your previous service with other public sector organisations. This means that if you are joining us from a participating organisation, you can retain valuable service-related benefits such as annual leave entitlement. You can find out if this applies to you by visiting Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment | greater.jobs

Using AI in Your Application

At Trafford Council, we’re always open to new and innovative tools, including AI, that can help people work smarter. However, when it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We really want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.

If you choose to use AI for support, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Please see our guide on using AI in your application.

We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

Key Information...

  • Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
  • Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
  • Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Make a positive difference. Apply Today.

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for the families and young people of Trafford, then we'd love to receive an application from you.

We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk

After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.

Supporting Documents

↗ Role Profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Granby Road, Stretford, Trafford, M32 8JB, United Kingdom

Job ID

1894

Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey

We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.

This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to and understanding how to use AI responsibly.

You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.

Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester

Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

People in an urban setting with a car, buildings, and recycling bin.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

Find out more

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Cityscape with people, aircraft and military vehicles.

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Find out more

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

People, buildings, and a van in a purple cityscape.

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

Find out more

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

People with disabilities and different backgrounds in a community

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

Find out more

Your Pay, Your Benefits, Your Future

Explore easy‑to‑use tools that help you understand your take‑home pay and how different employment situations may affect the financial support available to you and your household.

  1. Calculate Your Take‑Home Pay

    Use this salary calculator to estimate your net pay after tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.

    Estimate your Income Tax for the current year (Gov.uk)

  2. Check Your Benefits Entitlement

    See how changes in employment, hours or salary may affect your benefits and household income.

    Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach

Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.

To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.

Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.

This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.

  1. What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?

    AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.

    We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.

    When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.

    This means:

    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

    • Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job

    • Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role

    • All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms

    AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.

    Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.

  2. Using AI in Your Application

    When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team. 

    We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

    We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

    Your application is your chance to show us:

    • Who you are

    • What you can bring

    • The values you hold

    • Why you want to make a difference

    AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.

    AI is most helpful when used to:

    • Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria

    • Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors

    • Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something

    But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.

  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

    Do:

    • Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement

    • Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure

    • Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice

    • Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience

    • Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself

    Don’t:

    • Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application

    • Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have

    • Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements

    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice