Live in Catering jobs

Join our dedicated catering team and help keep our kitchen running smoothly and the estate secure!

We’re looking for a reliable and hardworking Live-in Kitchen Porter / Site Support Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of our busy school kitchen and estate security. This vital role ensures that our catering services remain clean, safe, and efficient for students, staff, and visitors.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role in a supportive environment where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Details:

Location: Browhead Campus, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1NW

Reporting to: Head Chef and Senior Caretaker

Hours: 42.5 hours per week, worked 5 days over 7. Normal working hours are 10.00am to 7.00pm (1/2 hour unpaid break); however, flexibility is required to support site lock-up duties, external lettings, and school events. Occasional later finishes may be required, and time will be managed in accordance with operational requirements and Working Time Regulations.

Salary: £13.00 per hour or £28,730.00 per year

Contract: 52-week contract, subject to a 13-week probationary period

Accommodation: Live-in accommodation is available on site. An accommodation charge of £10.50 per day (£73.50 per week) applies and will be deducted from salary in accordance with National Minimum Wage accommodation offset regulations

Benefits

· Free meals while on duty or living on site (terms apply)

· Uniform provided

· Generous employer pension contribution

· Sick pay from day one (terms apply)

· 33 days annual leave including a two-week Christmas closure

· Additional holiday entitlement accrued as and when required

· Free on-site parking

· Supportive and caring work environment with wellbeing at its heart

Main Responsibilities

Kitchen Hygiene & Cleaning

· Operate industrial dishwashers and hand-wash kitchenware as needed

· Maintain cleanliness of all kitchen areas including floors, surfaces, storage, and equipment

· Ensure hygiene standards are met in line with Food Safety and Environmental Health regulations

· Deep clean kitchen areas on a scheduled basis

Waste & Recycling

· Correctly dispose of general and food waste

· Follow recycling procedures and assist with food waste management

· Ensure bins are emptied and cleaned regularly

Stock & Deliveries

· Receive, unpack, and store deliveries safely and efficiently

· Rotate stock according to use-by/best-before dates

· Monitor stock levels and report shortages or issues

Service Support

· Assist with setting up and cleaning service stations in the dining hall

· Support the catering team during busy service periods

· Help with basic food prep tasks when required (e.g., peeling, portioning)

Caretaker & Site Security Responsibilities

· Undertake full site lock-up procedures on designated evenings, typically up to two days per week, ensuring all buildings, gates, windows, and security systems are secured in accordance with School procedures.

· Provide caretaker cover during periods of annual leave, sickness absence, training, or other authorised absences of the Site Caretaker.

· Attend and secure the site following evening activities, lettings, external hires, performances, sporting fixtures, parents' events, or other School functions.

· Respond to reasonable requests relating to site security and safeguarding outside normal kitchen duties.

· Report security concerns, maintenance issues, damage, or unauthorised access immediately to the appropriate manager.

· Ensure all lock-up and key-holding responsibilities are carried out in accordance with School security procedures and safeguarding requirements.

· Recognise that occasional later finishing times may be required where external lettings, events, or School activities extend beyond the normal working day.

Health & Safety

· Follow COSHH guidelines when handling cleaning chemicals

· Always wear appropriate PPE

· Report hazards, maintenance issues, or faulty equipment promptly

· Participate in fire drills and emergency procedures

· Maintain safe working practices to prevent slips, trips, and falls

· Hold basic food hygiene (training and qualification provided)

Teamwork & Flexibility

· Work collaboratively with chefs and catering staff

· Take initiative and work independently when needed

· Respond positively to reasonable requests from management or school leadership

· Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance

What We’re Looking For

· Basic food hygiene knowledge (training provided)

· Understanding of Health & Safety practices (desirable)

· Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively

· A proactive and positive attitude

· Clean driving licence (preferred but not essential)

· Friendly, polite, and a good sense of humour!

Safeguarding Responsibility

The post-holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact, will be to adhere to and always ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy. If while carrying out the duties of the post the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. Windermere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

DBS check.

As part of our safer recruitment procedures, all applicants will be subject to rigorous vetting, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon these checks being completed.

Accommodation

Shared staff accommodation is available on site for the successful candidate as a condition of the live-in arrangement. Accommodation includes a private bedroom with access to shared bathroom, and onsite laundry facilities.

A charge of £10.50 per day (£73.50 per week) will apply for accommodation and will be deducted from salary in accordance with the employee's written agreement. The accommodation arrangement is subject to separate accommodation rules and may be withdrawn upon termination of employment or where occupancy conditions are breached.

Miscellaneous

The School operates a No Smoking policy within its buildings and grounds including accommodation when provided.

Windermere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role in a supportive environment where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Closing Date Monday 3rd November 2026

Pay: £13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 42.5 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person