Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: School Teachers' Pay (England). Support (NJC SCP 5–12): £26,427 to £29,542 over 8 pay points, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 9/10/2026.
- London and fringe pay for support staff is set by your local authority or academy trust, not the STPCD; ask your employer for the rate.
- TLR payments and SEN allowances are for teachers only (STPCD 2025 paras 20 and 21).
Allowances & Enhancements Calculator
EnglandSchool support staff (NJC)Pay points from 1/4/2026
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Guide for School Catering Assistant
This guide explains how allowances and enhancements sit on top of basic pay for School Catering Assistant on Support (NJC SCP 5–12) at Schools. Select only enhancements that apply to your rota, location and contract.
Enhancements for School Catering Assistant
As School Catering Assistant at Schools, total pay often includes enhancements on top of basic band pay on Support (NJC SCP 5–12). Eligibility depends on your rota, location and contract. The calculator adds selected allowances to illustrative basic pay from School Teachers' Pay (England).
TLR and SEN
Teaching and Learning Responsibility payments and SEN allowances are set in the STPCD. Academies may pay differently. Select only allowances that apply to your post and contract.
Stacking rules
Employers have rules on which allowances can be combined. This tool adds selected items to your base pay for illustration. Use your band and spine point, or enter your payslip gross as the base.
Example scenario
Example: £26,427 base pay plus an illustrative 5% add-on (£1,321), £27,748 in all. The calculator itself opens with no allowances added.
| Base band pay (example) | £26,427 |
|---|---|
| Illustrative allowance add-on (5%) | £1,321 |
| Total gross (example) | £27,748 |
Frequently asked questions
Why are London, TLR and SEN switched off?
They are part of teachers' pay. School support staff are on the NJC spine, and your employer sets any London or fringe payment.
Do you store my inputs?
Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a School Catering Assistant?
A School Catering Assistant prepares and serves school meals. Pay is usually NJC support staff or a catering contractor rate. Our calculator uses the school support spine as an illustrative public-sector baseline.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Catering roles support pupil nutrition and the school day; term-time contracts are common.
What allowances or extras apply?
Allowances and enhancements vary by employer and role. Use the calculator above to add common allowances to your base pay.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.