school catering assistant job

[ItsCagain]

I have heard mixed reviews about this. i’m considering it as it would fit it well with family life but heard a few negative take on it?
Any pros or cons?

I had 4 kids at school age, and I was a school catering assistant. It fitted in 100% with school life. Are we talking the same school as your children? If not, then there may be an odd time where the school holidays differ. For Eg...I go back to work on 3rd Jan. My daughter goes back on 8th Jan. If you have childcare for then, maybe it's something to think about. My daughter occasionally comes into work with me and helps out, as this is her previous primary school. But other than that, I don't see any cons...just pros. Also, you get paid in the holidays. Who wouldn't want to get paid in August 🤣. Any questions, let me know will be happy to answer.

That’s great thanks for letting me know. No it would not be my kids school. Ideally i would like it if involved being with kids a little bit but from what i heard it’s not much to do with kids as the lunchtime supervisors do that but said just not enough hrs for what im looking for.
Also I have back problems so not sure how physically strenuous the job would be? or it varies with school?

I have back problems too. Actually I think all my colleagues do!! 🤣. You just have to put yourself first, any lifting make sure you ask someone to lift with you, etc. You could always try to get a TA job. That would be full or part time and you would be more involved with the kids. I did a TA course level 2 for a year before I got the job as catering assistant but I just found being a TA a bit too stressful. It was really full on. Have you thought to supervise breakfast or after school clubs and maybe a lunchtime organiser job to build up hours? If you do decide to go for a job in a school make sure you're knowledge of safeguarding is 💯%. Good luck in your venture.

Thank you for this. We seem to be in very similar situation. I completed my Ta level 2 last year but actually with the way things going with Ta jobs (most roles are now 1:1 instead of general ta and most of them would require me to have to sort either before or after school club for kids) just decided it’s not for me for now.
the lunch time supervisors is only about 7.5 hrs a week which is not enough.
This job came about for 18hrs a week which would be perfect for now while i still have kids in primary.
I will ask to visit school if im offered the job before i hand my notice in to current job.
Thanks for all the useful info