Kitchen Assistant

Post: Kitchen Assistant - Maternity Cover

Contract Type: Fixed term (September 2026 to July 2027)

Salary Range: Grade 2, SCP 4-5 (£25,185.00 - £25,583.00 FTE) pro rata salary £9,021.00 - £9,163.00

Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment

Working Type: Part Time (15 hours / 39 weeks)

Base: The Ferns Primary Academy, Plodder Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0DA

Please note: The post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our incredible Catering Team, and outstanding academy. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen team by assisting with meal preparation, food safety practices, and maintaining a clean and organised kitchen environment. The successful candidate will:

Assist the Chef Manager in the preparation of ingredients for cooking, including chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and preparing sauces.

Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene throughout the kitchen.

Help with the organisation and storage of food items, ensuring proper labelling and rotation.

Clean kitchen equipment, utensils, and work surfaces to uphold cleanliness standards.

Support the team during busy service periods by ensuring that all necessary supplies are readily available.

Support serving students during lunchtime.

Previous experience in a kitchen environment is preferred but not essential. Candidates should have a basic understanding of food safety regulations and be able to work effectively as part of a team whilst also being able to take initiative when required.

Working hours are Monday to Friday - 11am to 2pm

Northern Education Trust offers:

The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;

The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;

The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.

A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;

A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.

Employee benefits

Free flu vaccinations

Free onsite parking

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process.

The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests.

The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.

In order to apply for this position, please visit: https://northerneducation.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/account/login/201700?aisId=12&rmId=3361

For more information, please contact Mrs Cummins, PA to the Principal, on k.cummins@northerneducationtrust.org

Closing date: 6th July 2026 at 10am

Invites to interviews will be emailed before 3pm on 7th July 2026.

Interviews will be held on 13th July 2026