Early Years Kitchen Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development

Job summary

Bright Horizons Fulbourn Day Nursery and Preschool is hiring an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation for children and help run the kitchen. The role requires safe handling, attention to dietary needs, and collaboration with the Chef and nursery staff.

You will contribute to a healthy eating environment, maintain hygiene standards, and participate in a broad benefits package including childcare discounts and parental leave.

Qualifications

• Food Safety certification (L2+) or equivalent required on day 1.
• Sound knowledge of COSHH and safe food handling practices.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children, and parents.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements, including allergies.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate meals with minimal waste.
• In the Chef's absence, run the kitchen and ensure safe, clean operation.
• Communicate dietary requirements clearly to teams and maintain food safety standards.

Skills

Food Safety L2+

COSHH knowledge

Strong communication

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Fulbourn Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary –£29,432.00 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Fulbourn, Cambridge

• This position is full time, 9-6pm Monday to Friday*

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 Fulbourn Day Nursery and Preschool. Our Nursery in Fulbourn is located on the Northern end of capital park business park with excellent bus routes on Fulham Old Drift.

Our Benefits

• £29,432.00 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

*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.