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.
- Lost pay is your pay before the break multiplied by its length. No pay awards, steps up the scale or allowances are added.
- Re-entry pay is the spine point you choose on Support (NJC SCP 5–12); 0 is the bottom, £26,427.
- Your employer's career break policy sets who can take one, for how long, and the job and pay you come back to.
Career Break Impact Calculator
EnglandSchool support staff (NJC)Pay points from 1/4/2026
Loading calculator…
Guide for School Catering Assistant
This guide helps School Catering Assistant at Schools plan unpaid or non-paid breaks and illustrative re-entry pay on Support (NJC SCP 5–12). Parental leave has separate rules; use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for enhanced pay during leave.
Career breaks for School Catering Assistant
A career break, sabbatical or extended unpaid leave may mean no salary for a period. For School Catering Assistant on Support (NJC SCP 5–12) at Schools, re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point after agreed leave, others place returners at the bottom of the band.
Planning a break
A career break, sabbatical or extended leave may mean no salary for a period. Re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point, others place you at the bottom of the band. Pension and continuous service rules vary by scheme.
Parental leave
Maternity, adoption and shared parental leave have separate statutory and contractual rules. Use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for typical enhanced pay; this tool focuses on unpaid or unpaid-adjacent breaks and re-entry salary.
Example scenario
Example: a 1-year break from £26,427 costs £26,427 in gross pay, with a cautious return at the bottom of Support (NJC SCP 5–12). The calculator opens on 2 years (£52,854).
| Pay before break (example) | £26,427 |
|---|---|
| Break length (example) | 1 year |
| Illustrative lost gross earnings | £26,427 |
| Re-entry (cautious) | Bottom of Support (NJC SCP 5–12) |
Frequently asked questions
What would a career break cost me?
At £26,427, about £26,427 for 1 year, £52,854 for 2 years and £132,135 for 5 years, in gross pay. Your take-home loss is smaller, because tax, National Insurance and pension contributions stop too.
Does it allow for the pay rises I would have had?
No. It multiplies your pay before the break by its length. On Support (NJC SCP 5–12) you would also have reached £26,847 after 1 year in the band, and pay awards would have added more.
Where will I come back on the pay scale?
Your employer's policy decides. The calculator opens at the bottom of the band, the cautious case; if your employer agrees a higher point, set it in the spine point box.
Does a career break affect my pension?
Usually, yes. An unpaid break builds no pension in a career average scheme, because your pension builds on the pay you earn. Ask your scheme whether you can pay to fill the gap.
Do you store my information?
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 if I take a career break?
Returning after a break can affect pay and spine position. Use the calculator above to see illustrative re-entry pay and lost earnings.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.