Catering and Learning Support Assistant

About the Role

Esteem South Academy is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Catering Learning Support Assistant (CLSA) to join our team. This is a varied and rewarding role, combining food preparation and service with supporting pupils’ learning, wellbeing, and social development.

Working across the academy, you will play a key role in ensuring pupils receive high-quality care, nutritional support, and a positive learning environment. You will also support teaching staff with the preparation and delivery of cooking lessons and help create engaging activities for pupils throughout the school day.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with young people, enjoys a hands-on role, and can support behaviour using a trauma-informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

Catering & Food Preparation

Prepare, serve, and clear food and drinks at breakfast, breaktimes, and lunchtime
Manage weekly food orders and collect supplies from external providers
Maintain kitchen organisation, cleanliness, and food hygiene standards
Ensure correct storage, labelling, and compliance with health & safety regulations
Support the staff room with refreshments to promote staff wellbeing

Classroom & Learning Support

Prepare resources and ingredients for cooking lessons
Support teachers during practical sessions, ensuring pupils follow safe cooking practices
Assist in classroom management, behaviour support, and clearing away after lessons
Contribute to displays of pupil work

Pupil Care & Supervision

Supervise pupils during breaktimes and lunchtimes, promoting positive behaviour
Support pupils with meals, encouraging independence and social skills
Respond to personal care, mobility, and hygiene needs with sensitivity
Help organise engaging recreational activities, including on wet days
Supervise pupil areas including dining spaces and toilets

Safeguarding & Pastoral Support

Promote pupils’ emotional wellbeing and social development
Apply a trauma-informed approach to behaviour management
Act as a First Aider (training provided if required)
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns appropriately

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

Has a positive, nurturing, and patient approach
Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team
Can build strong relationships with pupils and staff
Has an understanding of (or willingness to learn about) trauma-informed practices
Someone who can drive and has access to a car with business insurance
Is organised, proactive, and able to multitask in a busy environment
Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Experience in a school, catering, or support role is desirable, but not essential—training will be provided.

Why Join Esteem Multi-Academy Trust?

Be part of a supportive and inclusive team
Opportunities for professional development and training
Make a genuine difference to pupils’ lives every day
Work within a values-driven organisation committed to pupil wellbeing

Safeguarding Commitment

Esteem Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to be part of a caring and forward-thinking academy, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website