Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons UK; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join its vibrant nursery team. In this rewarding role, you will assist the nursery chef in preparing nutritious meals for young children, ensuring their dietary needs are met with care and creativity. The nursery's nurturing environment encourages personal growth, and you will play a vital role in fostering healthy eating habits among children. With a commitment to professional development and an inclusive workplace culture, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the next generation. Join a company recognized for its supportive atmosphere and be part of something special.

Benefits

40% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

24/7 virtual GP appointments

Early access to wages

Professional development programme

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking roles, ideally in domestic or commercial settings.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements and food allergies.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate food.
• Ensure the kitchen is clean and safe, managing dietary requirements.

Skills

Cooking experience

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Tools

COSHH knowledge

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons St Marys Abingdon Day Nursery

Salary – Starting from £26,790.40 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Hours - Mon-Fri | 08:30-17:00 (can discuss some flexibility on this)

Location – Abingdon, OX14 1AA

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our St Marys Abingdon Day Nursery to support our nursery chef. Our Ofsted rated 'Good' Nursery offers 114 places caring for children of 3 months up to 5 years and includes arts and crafts area's, reading corners, imagination area's and a large garden that includes vegetable patches and a climbing frame!

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 40% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As an Early Years Kitchen Assistant, you will support the Chef in the preparation and cooking of age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage, and in keeping the kitchen a clean and safe environment. In the absence of the Chef, you will take responsibility for the running of the kitchen, ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
• Sound knowledge of COSHH
• Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
• Ability to work under pressure

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector, all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.