Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Banstead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Pension

Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 GP

Career development access

Shift 8:30-17:30

Job summary

Bright Horizons Banstead Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate meals for all children, ensuring minimal waste and a clean, safe kitchen.

In the absence of the Chef you will run the kitchen, communicate dietary requirements clearly to teams, manage allergies, and uphold high food safety standards (CIEH Level 2 or above).

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking in domestic or commercial settings.
• Nutrition-focused with ability to manage dietary requirements including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or higher must be achieved on day 1.
• Knowledge of COSHH.
• Good communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and cooking of age-appropriate meals for all children.
• Take charge in absence of the Chef and ensure dietary requirements are communicated to teams.
• Keep kitchen clean, safe and minimize wastage.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition knowledge

Allergen awareness

Communication

Education

Food Safety Level 2

Tools

COSHH

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Banstead Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £29,432 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Banstead, Surrey

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 Banstead Nursery, situated in Banstead, Surrey.

This nursery offers a fantastic, purpose-built nursery with specialist rooms designed for each developmental stage. Situated just off the A217, and within walking distance of Banstead village, the nursery has ample parking.

Our Benefits

• From £29,432 per annum
• 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
• Shift options: 8:30-17:30 Monday-Friday
• 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, and 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

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.

We look forward to receiving your application!