School Kitchen Porter Jobs in Stoke-on-Trent ST4 | Immediate Start
Temporary Staff Agency is urgently recruiting reliable and experienced School Kitchen Porters for immediate temporary placements in Stoke-on-Trent ST4 and surrounding areas. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and the potential for ongoing work.
Job Description: School Kitchen Porter
Temporary Staff Agency is currently seeking a diligent and proactive School Kitchen Porter to join a busy educational catering team in Stoke-on-Trent ST4. This is a vital support role within a school environment, ensuring the kitchen and dining areas operate smoothly, hygienically, and efficiently to serve pupils and staff. Whether you're looking for an immediate start, flexible hours to fit around other commitments, or a foot in the door of the education sector, this position offers a practical and rewarding opportunity.
As a specialist in urgent staffing and immediate start roles across Stoke-on-Trent, we connect dedicated individuals with local employers who value reliability. This role is perfect for someone who takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, enjoys a physical and varied workday, and wants to contribute to the positive environment of a local school. For those considering a career shift, our guide on The Ultimate Guide To Temp Work Staffing offers valuable insights into the benefits of temporary positions.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties
As a School Kitchen Porter, your day will be varied and essential to the kitchen's operation. Your core duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Cleaning and Sanitisation: Thoroughly washing pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Manually cleaning or operating dishwashers to ensure all items meet stringent food hygiene standards. This is a cornerstone of the School Kitchen Porter role, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring a safe environment for food preparation.
- Maintenance of Kitchen and Dining Areas: Daily cleaning of floors, work surfaces, walls, and storage areas. Emptying bins and managing waste disposal according to school and council recycling policies. You will also be responsible for setting up and clearing down the dining hall before and after service periods.
- Stock and Delivery Support: Assisting with receiving, checking, and safely storing food deliveries. Rotating stock using the 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) method and helping to maintain organised dry stores, fridges, and freezers. Basic food preparation support, such as washing vegetables or preparing salad items, may also be required.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Adhering to all COSHH regulations when using cleaning chemicals. Following strict personal hygiene protocols, including correct uniform usage. Reporting any maintenance issues, such as faulty equipment or potential hazards, to the Kitchen Manager promptly.
- Team Support: Working collaboratively with cooks, chefs, and other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth service. Providing general assistance as directed by senior staff, which could include tasks during peak times to support the wider team's objectives.
What We're Looking For (Person Specification)
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in a similar kitchen porter, cleaner, or catering assistant role.
- A strong understanding of, and commitment to, high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
- Physical fitness and stamina for a role involving standing, lifting, bending, and moving for extended periods.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a positive, can-do attitude.
- The right to work in the UK. A basic DBS check will be required for this school-based role.
Desirable Attributes
- Previous experience working in a school, college, or similar educational environment.
- A recognised Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or 2).
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a kitchen setting.
- A friendly and patient demeanour, suitable for working in a child-focused setting.
- Flexibility to work term-time only or extended hours if required.
Salary, Benefits & How to Apply
Salary & Benefits Package
We offer a competitive hourly pay rate for this School Kitchen Porter position in Stoke-on-Trent ST4, commensurate with your experience and the responsibilities of the role. Pay is processed weekly, providing you with regular and reliable income. As part of our commitment to our temporary workers, you will also benefit from:
Beyond the financial package, this role offers structured hours typically aligned with the school day (e.g., 8 am - 2 pm), providing excellent work-life balance. There is also a genuine opportunity for the right candidate to be considered for a longer-term or permanent position within the school or through other placements with our agency. Explore our broader staffing services to see how we support career progression.
How to Apply for This School Kitchen Porter Role
The application process is straightforward and designed to get you started quickly. Given the urgent nature of this vacancy, we encourage prompt action.
- Submit Your CV: Send your most up-to-date CV to our recruitment team. Ensure it highlights any relevant experience in cleaning, catering, or portering roles.
- Initial Screening Call: A friendly consultant from our Stoke-on-Trent team will contact you for a brief telephone interview to discuss your experience, availability, and this specific role.
- Registration & Compliance: We'll guide you through our fast-track registration, which includes verifying your right to work and arranging a DBS check if needed.
- Interview & Placement: You may have a short, informal interview at the school. Upon success, we'll coordinate your schedule and provide a full induction.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected] or call us on +44 333 242 2711 to speak directly with a consultant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While previous experience in a similar kitchen, cleaning, or catering environment is highly desirable and listed as essential, we also consider applicants with a strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If you have experience in other physical, routine-based roles (e.g., warehouse operative, cleaner), we encourage you to apply and highlight your transferable skills. Our consultants can assess your suitability during the initial call.
Hours are typically aligned with the school term-time schedule. A standard shift often runs from approximately 8:00/9:00 AM to 2:00/3:00 PM, covering breakfast club, lunch preparation, service, and clean-down. Some roles may require earlier starts for breakfast provision. Hours are generally Monday to Friday, with no weekend work, making it an ideal role for those seeking daytime, weekday employment. Specific hours will be confirmed for each vacancy.
Yes. As this role is within a school environment and you will have indirect contact with children, a basic DBS check is a mandatory requirement. Temporary Staff Agency will guide you through the application process if you do not have a current, portable DBS certificate. The cost is typically covered by the agency or the client for a successful placement. This is a standard and non-negotiable part of compliance for school-based work.
Absolutely. Many of our temporary placements, especially in long-term settings like schools, have the potential to become temp-to-perm positions. If you perform well, demonstrate reliability, and integrate successfully into the team, the school may offer you a direct contract. Additionally, excelling in one role makes you a prime candidate for other permanent positions we recruit for. We discuss temporary vs permanent work pathways with all our candidates.
We constantly recruit for a wide range of operational and support roles in the Stoke-on-Trent area. These often include Maintenance Technician / Operative positions for site upkeep, Warehouse Operatives for logistics centres, and various catering and cleaning roles across different sectors. We recommend browsing our latest jobs page regularly or registering with us so your consultant can match you with new opportunities that fit your skills, from Pharmacy Assistant roles to general labouring jobs.
Why Choose Temporary Staff Agency?
As a leading local recruitment agency in Stoke-on-Trent ST4, we bridge the gap between talented job seekers and reputable employers. We're not just a faceless portal; we're your career partner.
- Local Expertise: We know the Stoke-on-Trent job market inside out.
- Dedicated Consultant: A single point of contact who fights your corner.
- Speed & Efficiency: From application to first shift in days, not weeks.
- Wide Network: Access to unadvertised roles with trusted local employers.
Other Immediate Roles in ST4
Need Help Applying?
Our friendly Stoke-based team is here to guide you through every step.
Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Start Your New Role Next Week
Don't let this opportunity pass by. We're conducting interviews for the School Kitchen Porter role in Stoke-on-Trent ST4 this week for an immediate start.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].