Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits & career support

Career development programme access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Fair Oak is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing meals for children across the nursery, ensuring nutritious options and minimal waste. You will help maintain a clean, safe kitchen and step in when the Chef is unavailable to keep services running smoothly.

The role requires prior cooking experience, a passion for healthy eating and strong knowledge of dietary requirements and food safety. DBS checks and safeguarding practice apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking, domestic or commercial.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above required on day 1.
• Knowledge of COSHH and safe kitchen practices.
• Strong communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate meals with minimal waste.
• Take responsibility for running the kitchen in the Chef's absence and ensure dietary requirements are clearly communicated.

Skills

Cooking

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements

Food Safety Level 2

COSHH

Communication

Working under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Fair oak Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – £** 12.75** per hour

Location – Fair Oak

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 Fair Oak nursery.

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, 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. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

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