Job Description

At High Ongar Primary School, our vision is for all children to make excellent progress from their starting points, to develop their social and emotional skills, have high aspirations for themselves and strive to be the very best that they can be. It is important to us that our children feel safe, enjoy school and are enthusiastic and motivated learners. Our whole school values focus on children being ready to learn, respectful to themselves and others, and to learn and play safely. We are a small, rural school, set in the heart of High Ongar village in Essex. Our beautiful building and extensive rural grounds incorporate a traditional feel to our exciting and motivating curriculum. Our small yet supportive staff team are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety, wellbeing and learning for our children and we work closely together to constantly develop our own practice through high quality and personalised CPD.

High Ongar Primary School is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE & ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child's journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy. Bridge Academy Trust is committed to its people strategy and prioritises staff's development to ensure they too can enjoy, enrich, achieve and aspire.

About the role:

High Ongar Primary School is a welcoming and ambitious village school where children and staff flourish. We are committed to ensuring every child achieves their full potential academically, socially and emotionally, while developing the confidence and aspirations needed for future success. Our values of kindness, resilience and respect are at the heart of everything we do and shape the caring, inclusive culture of our school. Set in the beautiful rural village of High Ongar, we offer a rich and engaging curriculum within a supportive environment where colleagues work closely together, share expertise and embrace high-quality professional development. We are proud of our strong sense of community and our commitment to helping both children and staff thrive.

About the Role:
We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant to join our friendly team. This is a key role within our school community, helping to ensure that pupils enjoy a positive lunchtime experience each day.
Working during the lunchtime period, you will be responsible for collecting meals from a partner school, preparing the dining hall for service, serving meals to pupils and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness. You will play an important part in creating a welcoming dining environment, supporting pupils during lunchtime and ensuring the hall is ready for learning to resume each afternoon.
This role would suit someone who enjoys working as part of a team, takes pride in their work and is committed to providing excellent service for children.

We are looking for someone who:
• Is reliable, organised and able to work independently.
• Has a positive, friendly and professional manner.
• Enjoys working with children and understands the importance of creating a positive lunchtime experience.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food presentation.
• Can work efficiently in a busy environment and remain calm under pressure.
• Has good communication and teamwork skills.
• Is willing to undertake relevant training, including food hygiene training if required.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.
Previous experience in catering, hospitality or a school environment would be desirable, although full training will be provided for the right candidate.

What we offer
• A welcoming and supportive staff team.
• Friendly, well-mannered children who are proud of their school.
• A strong, caring school community.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Access to a comprehensive employee wellbeing programme.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the daily experience of our pupils.

Bridge Academy Trust may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Work Schedule:

20 hours per week

Term time only, Permanent

How to Apply:
To apply for the role, please complete the application form, demonstrating how your skills and experience match the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification and return directly to High Ongar Primary School.

Application guidance notes are also available to assist you with completing your application.

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email to admin@highgongar.essex.sch.uk

Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026, at Midnight

Interview Date: Thursday 12th November 2026

Further details are available from t: 01277363761 e: admin@highgongar.essex.sch.uk w: highongar.essex.sch.uk

This trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought. The Bridge Academy trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

Information about the School

At High Ongar Primary School we have a very caring ethos, a warm and friendly approach and an excellent reputation for extracurricular activities and sport despite our small size. Children are well cared for and receive a good all-round education.

High Ongar Primary School is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.