Cafe jobs in Folkestone

Woodpecker Court is a specialist post 16 education provision where learning meets the outdoors. We support young people to build confidence, independence and practical skills through real world experiences in a woodland based setting.

We are looking for a Community Café Lead to run our on-site community café during allocated shifts. The café supports student learning and hosts community events in partnership with Woodpecker Wood CIC, a local community interest company focused on building community through nature.

Job Summary

This is a hands-on, people-focused role at the centre of our post 16 education provision. As Community Café Lead, you’ll help create a welcoming, well-run café that supports student learning, brings the local community together and offers real world experience in a safe, supportive environment.

You’ll take ownership of the café during your shifts, preparing food and drinks, delivering friendly customer service, managing stock levels, and ensuring high standards of safety, cleanliness and organisation. A key part of the role is supporting post 16 students completing work experience, offering day-to-day guidance, encouragement and positive role modelling as they develop confidence, independence and workplace skills.

Working within a unique outdoor setting, you’ll also help deliver community events hosted in the café in partnership with Woodpecker Wood CIC. This role suits someone who enjoys variety, working independently, and supporting young people to succeed through practical, meaningful activities.

We welcome creative thinking and encourage the Community Café Lead to contribute ideas that help the café grow, strengthen community engagement and enhance opportunities for student learning.

Duties

• Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals
• Provide friendly and professional customer service
• Operate the till and handle cash accurately
• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene and food safety standards
• Monitor café stock levels, carry out regular stock checks and submit supply orders to the line manager in a timely manner to ensure the café remains well stocked
• Support community events held in the café
• Keep the café, garden and outdoor play areas clean, tidy and safe
• Support post 16 students on work experience through guidance and positive role modelling
• Contribute ideas and initiatives to help grow and develop the café, increasing community engagement and sustainability
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety procedures at all times

Hours

• 19 hours per week
• 09:40am to 4:20pm (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
• 52 weeks per year

Salary

£12.71 per hour

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A friendly, customer-focused approach and good communication skills
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility during café shifts
• An interest in supporting post 16 students, offering guidance and positive role modelling
• A reliable, responsible attitude with good attendance and timekeeping
• Awareness of health, safety and safeguarding principles, or willingness to undertake training
• Experience in food service, hospitality or cash handling, or transferable skills and a willingness to learn
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions and supporting community activities
• The ability to travel independently to and from work. Due to the rural location of Woodpecker Court, applicants must be able to reliably drive or walk to the site, as public transport options are limited
• A proactive and creative approach, with enthusiasm for contributing ideas to help develop and grow the café offer

What Woodpecker Court can offer

Woodpecker Court offers a unique setting with woodlands, a working farm, workshops and outdoor classrooms. Our curriculum blends hands-on experiences with academic learning, fostering a strong community ethos. Staff benefit from a supportive, values-driven team and access to a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

We are committed to safeguarding and follow safer recruitment practices in line with KCSIE 2026. Our Child Protection Policy is available on our website: www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk.

Pre-employment checks for this role will include:

• An enhanced DBS check
• Two satisfactory references
• Verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK

Employment gaps will be explored and a criminal record self-declaration is required. Online checks will be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

Become part of a team where relationships, respect and resilience shape everything we do. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and foster an inclusive environment.

How to Apply

To apply, please contact Dawn Fisher at personnel@woodpeckercourt.kent.sch.uk to request an application form and job description.

Please note that CVs alone cannot be accepted.

We may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient qualified applications.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 19.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking

Work Location: In person