Dinner Lady in Exeter — Immediate Start with Staffing Service

Join a supportive team in a rewarding role, providing essential support to school children across Exeter.

Job Description

Staffing Service is currently seeking a dedicated and caring Dinner Lady to join a welcoming primary school team in the heart of Exeter. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in the daily life of local children, ensuring they have a positive, safe, and nourishing lunchtime experience. The position is perfect for someone who enjoys a sociable, active, and rewarding role within school hours, offering a fantastic work-life balance that suits parents, students, or those looking for part-time, meaningful employment.

As a leading local recruitment agency, we specialise in connecting passionate individuals with fulfilling roles in the community. By applying through Staffing Service, you gain access to our extensive network of schools and educational settings across Exeter and the wider EX18 postcode area. We handle all the admin, ensure you are paid accurately and on time, and provide ongoing support, making your job search seamless. Whether you're looking for an immediate start, flexible shifts, or a potential permanent position, registering with us opens the door to a variety of career opportunities in the education and catering sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Serving nutritious meals to school children in a friendly, efficient, and hygienic manner, adhering to all food safety standards.
• Supervising children in the dining hall and playground, promoting positive behaviour and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all.
• Assisting with the setup and clear-down of the dining area, including light cleaning of tables, chairs, and food service points.
• Engaging with children in a warm and supportive way, helping younger pupils with cutting food or opening packages as needed.
• Working collaboratively with the school kitchen team and teaching staff to ensure the smooth running of the lunchtime period.

What We're Looking For

• A patient, caring, and responsible attitude with a genuine enjoyment of working with children.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliability and punctuality are essential, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety.
• Previous experience in a similar role, catering, or a school environment is advantageous but not essential as full training can be provided for the right candidate.

Salary, Benefits & How to Apply

We believe in fair and transparent remuneration. The pay for this Dinner Lady position is competitive and will be commensurate with your experience and the specific school's pay scale. It is typically aligned with the National Living Wage or above, with potential enhancements for relevant qualifications or long-term assignments. As a temporary worker through Staffing Service, you benefit from weekly pay, ensuring you are compensated promptly for your hard work.

Beyond the financial reward, this role offers intrinsic benefits that are hard to quantify. You'll enjoy sociable daytime hours, typically between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, making it perfect for fitting around other commitments. You'll be part of a school community, contributing positively to children's wellbeing during a key part of their day. For many, this role offers a stepping stone into the education sector or a rewarding return to work. We also have a variety of other flexible roles; for instance, if you're also skilled in administrative support, you might explore Dental Receptionist part time roles in Exeter or other customer-facing positions.

How to Apply: The application process is straightforward. Click the"Apply Now" button on this page to submit your initial interest through our secure portal. A member of our Exeter-based team will then contact you to discuss your experience, availability, and the next steps, which include a simple registration and compliance check. We pride ourselves on a swift process – we understand you need an immediate start. If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].

All advertised pay rates are indicative and depend on experience, shift, and client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Working in Education & Catering in Exeter

Exeter boasts a vibrant and diverse educational landscape, from historic primary schools to large academies and colleges. Working as a Dinner Lady here means you become part of a community-focused institution, contributing directly to the wellbeing of local children. The role is more than just serving food; it's about creating a calm, happy, and structured environment where children can socialise and recharge for the afternoon's learning. Schools in the EX18 area and across Devon value their lunchtime staff highly, recognising them as integral members of the school community.

The catering and hospitality sector in Exeter is thriving, and skills gained as a Dinner Lady are highly transferable. You'll develop expertise in food safety, customer service (in this case, for children and staff), teamwork, and working in a regulated environment. This experience can be a springboard to other roles within school catering, public sector catering, or the wider hospitality industry. For those interested in different environments, we also recruit for event staff hire and commercial cleaning staff positions which offer different shift patterns and experiences.

At Staffing Service, we understand the local job market intimately. We know which schools are expanding, which values they prioritise, and what makes a successful candidate. Our consultants act as your advocate, ensuring you are matched with a school that fits your personality and work style. We don't just fill vacancies; we build lasting partnerships with both our workers and clients, a philosophy detailed in our guide on comprehensive HR solutions.

Explore More at Staffing Service

Staffing Service is an equal-opportunities recruitment and temporary staffing agency serving Exeter and the surrounding region.