Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons; Essex; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development

DBS safety procedures

Job summary

Bright Horizons Gaynes Park Nursery in Upminster, London is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant. You will support meal prep for children, maintain a clean, safe kitchen, and communicate dietary requirements to staff.

The role requires prior cooking experience and Food Safety Level 2 or equivalent, with an Enhanced DBS due to safeguarding policies. The position offers part-time hours (20 or 30 per week), competitive hourly pay starting at £14.15, and a range of benefits including childcare

Qualifications

• Food safety awareness and allergen handling.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and communicate with teams.
• Commitment to safeguarding and DBS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist Chef with preparation and cooking of age-appropriate meals.
• Keep kitchen clean, safe, and well-organised with minimal waste.
• Communicate dietary needs clearly to teams and parents.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Dietary requirements

Communication

Teamwork

Pressure handling

Education

Food Safety Level 2 (CIEH L2) or equivalent

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Gaynes Park Day Nursery and Preschool, 105 Gaynes Park Road, Upminster, London, RM14 2HX

Salary – Starting from £14.15 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours – Can be either 20 or 30 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Location – Upminster London

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 Gaynes Park nursery. We are conveniently located with an onsite car park and buggy park, and in close proximity to Upminster station and Upminster Bridge tube.

Our Benefits

• Starting from £14.15 per hour
• 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

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.

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.