How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG. Job Title:
Kitchen Assistant Location:
Orchards Manor, Near Kings Lynn, Downham Market, PE34 3HT Salary:
£12.50 per hour Hours:
40 hours per week, Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only Start:
October 2025 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team and help create a positive, safe, and healthy dining experience for our pupils. About the Role As a Kitchen Assistant, you will support the Cook/Supervisor in the preparation and serving of meals, while helping to ensure the kitchen and dining areas meet high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. You'll also help supervise pupils during mealtimes, contributing to a calm and respectful dining environment. Key Responsibilities Assist with the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals, including those with special dietary requirements. Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, dining hall, and associated equipment. Support food preparation for both on-site meals and for delivery to other schools if required. Monitor food hygiene and health and safety practices in line with legislation. Help ensure sufficient food stock is available and report any shortages or issues. Record meal numbers and report cancellations or additional meals as needed. Support lunchtime supervision of pupils, ensuring meals are completed safely and on time. Report any concerning pupil behaviour or observations to teaching staff. About You We’re looking for someone who is: Reliable and organised, with good attention to detail A team player with a positive attitude Aware of food hygiene and health & safety standards (training can be provided) Passionate about supporting children and young people in a school environment About us Orchards Manor School, part of Options Autism, is a brand-new specialist school opening near King’s Lynn in Downham Market. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 5 to 16 with a variety of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Orchards Manor is an independent specialist school where the curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the specific needs of autistic learners and those with related needs. Education is supported by a fully integrated on-site clinical team, ensuring a holistic, person-centred approach to learning and wellbeing. At Orchards Manor, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential. For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Why join Options Autism? We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. *You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. #1