Catering jobs in Parkeston

Could you be the difference in someone's day? At Inspiring Support, we're passionate about helping people live happy, independent, and meaningful lives. As part of our dedicated team, you'll provide person-centred support to individuals with a range of needs, helping them build confidence, develop skills and achieve their goals both at home and in the community.

Our core values are:

Be There – We are present, attentive, and compassionate

Play – We bring positivity, creativity, and energy into our work

Make Their Day – We go above and beyond to make a positive difference

Choose Your Attitude – We act with professionalism, accountability and integrity

At Inspiring Support, we recognise that exceptional care starts with exceptional people. That's why we are committed to supporting, developing, and valuing our staff, ensuring they have the tools, training, and encouragement needed to thrive in their roles. We foster a positive and inclusive workplace where every team member is respected, empowered, and able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support. Together, we help individuals achieve their goals, maximise their independence, and lead fulfilling lives. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do and is a shared responsibility across our organisation. We are committed to creating a culture where people feel safe, respected, listened to, and empowered. Concerns are taken seriously, acted upon promptly, and managed with the utmost professionalism. For us, safeguarding is more than a policy—it's a fundamental part of who we are and how we work every day.

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and organised Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly catering team. This is a hands-on role preparing and serving healthy, nutritious meals for approximately 80 people each day, offering a variety of meal choices to meet different tastes, dietary requirements, and nutritional needs.

Working alongside and supporting the Kitchen Tutor, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the kitchen while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and food presentation. This role plays an important part in promoting healthy eating and providing a positive dining experience for young people and vulnerable adults.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and cooking of healthy, balanced meals for young people and vulnerable adults.

• Prepare and serve a variety of nutritious daily meal options.

• Support the Kitchen Supervisor in the efficient day-to-day running of the kitchen.

• Work collaboratively as part of a small catering team, providing support to colleagues and leading by example.

• Ensure all food hygiene, health and safety, allergen, and food safety procedures are followed at all times.

• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, including washing up, cleaning equipment, and sanitising work surfaces and food preparation areas.

• Receive, check, and correctly store food deliveries in accordance with food safety procedures.

• Monitor stock levels and report shortages or quality issues to the Kitchen Supervisor.

• Minimise food waste through effective stock rotation and careful food preparation.

• Deliver a friendly, professional, and positive service to service users, staff, and visitors.

• Take personal responsibility for maintaining exceptional standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and food presentation.

• Support the promotion of healthy eating and contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive dining environment.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience working in a catering or commercial kitchen environment for 2 years or more.

• Level 2/3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).

• A sound understanding of food hygiene, food safety, allergen management, and health and safety requirements.

• A passion for preparing healthy, nutritious meals for young people and vulnerable adults.

• Excellent organisational and teamwork skills.

• A positive, flexible, and proactive approach to work.

• The ability to work efficiently in a busy environment while maintaining consistently high standards.

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and service users.

Desirable

• Experience working within a school, education, or care setting.

• Knowledge of special dietary requirements and allergen management.

• Basic Food Allergen Awareness training.

• Self-motivated and self-managed to high standards

What We Offer

• A supportive, welcoming, and inclusive working environment.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults.

• Regular daytime working hours, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• The opportunity to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals and excellent service.

This job description may change at any point subject to business needs

Interested? Here is how to apply: If you are passionate about joining a high-quality care services team, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@iansc.org by 29th October, 2026. Please make sure that you complete the pre-screen questions on the job board, and look at the attached job description for further information.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check including Adult’s and Children's Barred List. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children/vulnerable adults.

Inspiring Support is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including disabled applicants and employees. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment where required.

Please note that we are unable to offer relocation assistance or relocation packages for this position. Applicants should therefore ensure they are able to make their own arrangements to live and work within a reasonable travelling distance of the role.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we are not currently able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to provide the appropriate evidence when required.

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