Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons UK; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join their vibrant nursery in Hemel Hempstead. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to children's health and nutrition while working in a supportive and inclusive environment. The nursery is known for its commitment to high standards and employee well-being, providing excellent perks such as discounted childcare and a development programme tailored to your career journey. If you have a passion for cooking and a desire to inspire healthy eating among children, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Above industry standard salary

Discounted childcare

Up to 33 days holiday

Smart Health access

Financial support for wages

Development programme access

Future Leaders programme

Employee Appreciation events

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking or kitchen roles in domestic or commercial settings.
• Knowledge of food safety and managing dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean kitchen environment and assist in food preparation.
• Ensure dietary requirements are met and promote child welfare.

Skills

Cooking

Food Safety

Communication Skills

Nutrition Knowledge

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Job description

Nursery: Bright Horizons Potten End Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary: Starting from £23,927.70 per annum (full time equivalent, dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Hemel Hempstead, HP1

We are looking for a part time, Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our Bright Horizons Potten End Day Nursery and Preschool, situated in Hemel Hempstead. The role would be lunch cover working Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.

The beautiful 92-place setting is based in converted barns, with spacious and well-resourced rooms, as well as a fantastic large garden area complete with play equipment, and animals! The nursery is Ofsted rated 'Good' and benefits from plenty of onsite parking.

What we can offer you

• Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
• Discounted childcare of 40% for first child (T&C Apply)
• Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes and mental health support
• Financial support through early access to wages, low interest debt consolidation loans and a wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities and days out
• Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries
• Access to our Future Leaders programme, preparing you to step into a Room Leader position
• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006 - as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What you’ll be doing

• Keep the kitchen a clean and safe environment, adhering to internal and external requirements
• Support the Chef in the preparation and cooking of age-appropriate food for all the children, with minimal food wastage
• In the absence of the Chef, take responsibility for the running of the kitchen, and ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to the teams
• Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health and safety and safeguarding
• Support the Chef to ensure budgetary requirements are met, and stock levels are suitably managed and recorded
• Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy and safe environment

What we’re looking for

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

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. 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.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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