Catering Jobs: School Catering Assistant Jobs in Sheffield | Catering Staff Agency – Urgent Hiring

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Various schools in S1, S10, S5, and S12 areas)
Job Type: Part-Time / Term-Time Only (Perfect for work-life balance!)
Salary: £12.50 – £14.00 per hour
Agency: Catering Jobs

Fueling the Future of the Steel City

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated, yet vital, roles in the community. When we think of a school, we think of teachers, books, and sports days. But there is a silent engine running in the background that makes all of that possible: the school kitchen.

Ask anyone what their favorite part of the school day was, and nine times out of ten, they’ll tell you it was lunchtime. It’s where friendships are made over a tray of food and where kids get the energy they need to actually pay attention in double maths.

At Catering Jobs, we are currently Urgently Hiring for School Catering Assistant Jobs in Sheffield. We aren’t just looking for "staff"—we are looking for friendly, reliable people who want to be a part of the Sheffield community. Whether you're in Hillsborough, Ecclesall, or Darnall, we have schools that need your help right now.

Why You’ll Love Working in School Catering

If you’re tired of the "burnout" culture of high-end restaurants or the late-night shifts of city-centre bars, school catering is your breath of fresh air.

1. The "Golden Ticket" Schedule: This is the biggest perk. Most of our roles are Monday to Friday, roughly 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM. No weekends. No bank holidays. No late nights.
2. Term-Time Only: You work when the kids are in school. When the schools are closed for summer, Christmas, or half-term, you’re off too. It’s the ultimate setup for parents or anyone who values their free time.
3. A Sense of Purpose: You aren’t just serving "customers"; you’re feeding the next generation of Sheffield’s doctors, builders, and artists. There’s a genuine "thank you" from the kids that you just don’t get in other sectors.

What Does a School Catering Assistant Actually Do?

If you’ve ever cooked a Sunday roast for a big family, you’re halfway there. But on a larger scale! As a member of the Catering Jobs team, your day will be varied and fast-paced.

1. The Prep Work

You’ll be assisting the Head Cook in getting things ready. This might mean peeling a mountain of potatoes, prepping fresh salads, or setting out the dessert trays. (And yes, the legendary school "sprinkle cake" is still a thing!).

2. The Service Rush

This is the "crunch time." When that lunch bell rings, you’ll be on the service line. You’ll need a quick hand and a big smile. You’ll be portioning out meals, ensuring that kids with allergies get the right food, and keeping the line moving so everyone gets fed on time.

3. Kitchen Hygiene & Safety

Health and safety are paramount in a school environment. You’ll be responsible for:

• Washing up (industrial dishwashers make this much easier than at home!).
• Cleaning down surfaces and equipment.
• Ensuring food is stored at the correct temperatures.
• Adhering to HSE Food Safety Standards.

4. The "Social" Side

You’re a familiar face. For some kids, the interaction they have with the "dinner lady" or "dinner man" is a highlight of their day. A bit of friendly banter and a positive attitude go a long way.

Why Sheffield? The Best City to Work In

We might be biased, but we love Sheffield. From the greenery of the Peak District on our doorstep to the bustling energy of the Moor, it’s a city with a big heart.

Working in Sheffield schools gives you a chance to see the diversity of our city. One day you could be working in a primary school near the Sheffield United Stadium, and the next, you might be helping out at a secondary school in the leafy suburbs of Hallam.

The transport links are great, too. Most of the schools we partner with are easily accessible via the Supertram or the local bus network. (You can plan your commute via the Travel South Yorkshire website).

Requirements: What We Need from You

Because you’ll be working with children, the bar for entry is a bit different than a standard cafe job.

• DBS Check (Essential): You must have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. If you don't have one, don't worry—as a leading Catering Staff Agency, we can help you through the application process. You can find more info on DBS checks here.
• Reliability: The school can't "pause" lunch. If you’re booked for a shift, we need you to show up.
• Basic Hygiene Knowledge: If you have a Level 2 Food Safety certificate, that’s fantastic. If not, we can point you toward the right training.
• Team Spirit: You’ll be working in a tight-knit team. Being able to "muck in" and help out where needed is vital.

Why Choose "Catering Jobs" as Your Agency?

We know you have options. But at Catering Jobs, we specialize only in the food and hospitality sector. We aren't a generic agency that also hires for construction or office work. We speak your language.

• Urgent Hiring Means Quick Starts: We have roles that need filling now. If your paperwork is in order, you could be working by next week.
• Better Pay: We believe in a fair wage for a fair day's work. Our rates start at £12.50 per hour, which is well above the national minimum.
• Local Expertise: Our Sheffield team knows the city inside and out. We won't send you to a school that’s a two-hour bus ride away.
• Flexibility: Want to work every day? Great. Only want to work Tuesdays and Thursdays? We can usually make that happen, too.

Take a look at our Job Search Page to see the latest openings across South Yorkshire.

Pay and Benefits Breakdown

Let’s get into the details of what you can expect to earn and the perks of the job.

• Hourly Rate: Between £12.50 and £14.00 depending on the specific school and your level of experience.
• Holiday Pay: You accrue holiday pay for every hour you work. This is usually paid out during the school holidays, giving you a steady income even when you aren't at work.
• Weekly Pay: We pay our staff every Friday.
• Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment into our workplace pension so you can save for the future.
• Uniform: Most schools will provide an apron or tabard, but we’ll advise you on the best footwear (usually non-slip) to keep you safe.

How to Apply: It’s Easier Than You Think

We’ve stripped back the "corporate" nonsense to make applying as simple as possible.

1. Register Online: Go to our Registration Page and fill in your basic details.
2. The Interview: We’ll have a quick chat—either over the phone or at our local office—to get to know you.
3. DBS & Compliance: We’ll check your right-to-work documents and start your DBS check.
4. Induction: We’ll give you a quick "run-through" of what to expect in a school kitchen.
5. Start Your Shift: We’ll match you with a school, introduce you to the Head Cook, and you’re off!

Ready to jump in? Contact Us today and say you’re interested in the Sheffield School Catering roles.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a job that actually fits around your life rather than taking it over, School Catering Assistant Jobs in Sheffield are the perfect answer. You get to be part of a team, earn a great hourly rate, and still be home in time for the school run or to enjoy a sunny afternoon in Endcliffe Park.

At Catering Jobs, we take pride in being the bridge between great people and great schools. We’re urgently hiring because the kids are hungry and the schools are busy! Don't wait for the "perfect" time—apply today and start making a difference in the Steel City.

FAQs: School Catering Jobs in Sheffield

1. Do I need previous professional cooking experience?

No! While it helps if you know your way around a kitchen, many of our most successful Catering Assistants come from backgrounds in retail, cleaning, or stay-at-home parenting. If you can follow a recipe and work well with others, we can train you on the rest.

2. What happens during the school summer holidays?

Since these are term-time roles, the schools are closed for the summer. This is great for parents who need to be home with their own kids. If you want to keep working, Catering Jobs often has "holiday hunger" programs or summer camp catering roles available to keep you busy!

3. How long does the DBS check take?

It varies. Usually, it takes between 5 and 14 days. Because this is an Urgent Hiring situation, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible. We can't let you into the school kitchen until that certificate is clear!

4. Can I choose the school I work at?

We always try to place you at a school that is convenient for your location. If you have a specific preference (e.g., "I only want to work in S11"), let your consultant know during the interview, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

5. Is there room for promotion?

Absolutely. Many people start as Catering Assistants and quickly move up to Assistant Cook or Head Cook positions. We also offer support for those wanting to gain their Level 3 Food Safety or Catering Management qualifications.