Jobs

Kitchen Assistant 
Grade 1, £24,796 pro rata
Permanent, part time, term time only
16 hours/week, 10am – 1pm with one day 10-2pm
Required from 18 May 2026

We are seeking a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to support our school cook to prepare and serve nutritious meals for around 125 hungry children and staff each day.
This role involves supporting the preparation and cooking of food in line with school standards and legislation, ensuring the safety of all pupils, including those with special dietary needs. 

Duties include setting up and serving meals with attention to portion control, maintaining high standards of cleanliness across all catering and dining areas, and washing all equipment to required specifications. 
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.  

The postholder will help keep the kitchen operating safely by reporting defects, adhering to food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations, and following child protection and confidentiality procedures. The role also includes undertaking routine and periodic cleaning tasks, completing relevant training, and carrying out any additional duties necessary to ensure the smooth and effective running of the school’s kitchen.

We offer:
• A rewarding role within a happy, supportive school community
• Term-time working, supporting a good work–life balance
• The chance to be part of a great team, making a real impact on student well-being. 
• Secure local authority employment with access to Durham County Council pension benefits.

If you enjoy cooking and want to make a real difference to children’s daily school experience, we would love to hear from you. Tours are available – please call and we will arrange a suitable time to visit the kitchen and meet the team.

This position is paid whole time with retainer adjustments applied to periods of school closure.  You will not be required to work during the school closure periods however your salary in these periods will be adjusted accordingly in line with the retainer regulations as specified in the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreement.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date:  Friday 20th March at 12pm
Interview date:  Week of 23rd March 2026

Silver Tree Primary School & Nursery
Durham Road
Ushaw Moor
Durham
DH7 7LF

Tel:  0191 373 0622
Email:  silvertree@durhamlearning.net
Website:  silvertreeprimary.co.uk

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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: £24,796 pro rata

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant