Early Years Kitchen Assistant

MP Training and Recruitment; Livingston; On-site; GBP 25,178 - 30,773; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount: 40% for first child

Enhanced parental leave: 31 days annual leave

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Job summary

MP Training and Recruitment is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant in Livingston. This role involves supporting the Chef in preparing nutritious food for children, maintaining a safe kitchen, and managing dietary requirements. Candidates should have food safety qualifications and experience in a similar cooking role.

Benefits include a competitive salary, childcare discounts, enhanced parental leave, and professional development access. The position values inclusivity and welcomes applicants from various backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role, preferably in a nursery or care home.
• Sound knowledge of managing dietary requirements, especially food allergies.
• Knowledge of COSHH and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate food for children.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Run the kitchen when the Chef is absent, ensuring dietary requirements are met.

Skills

Passion for nutrition and ability to inspire healthy eating

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or above

Job description

Position

Early Years Kitchen Assistant – Livingston

Salary: £27,976 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Livingston

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in the preparation and cooking of age‑appropriate food for all children in the nursery, with minimum wastage.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• When the Chef is absent, take responsibility for running the kitchen and ensuring all dietary requirements are met and clearly communicated to teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous experience within a cooking role, preferably in a nursery or care home.
• Passion for nutrition and ability to inspire others in healthy eating.
• Sound knowledge of managing dietary requirements, especially food allergies.
• Food Safety CIEH Level2 or above (or equivalent) – must be passed on day1 in post.
• Knowledge of COSHH.
• Excellent communication skills with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Passes safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including a PVG check.

Benefits

• £27,976 per annum.
• Childcare discount: 40% for first child.
• Enhanced parental leave: 31 days annual leave; ability to 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 a careers coach.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants.