Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, LLC.; Maidenbower; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

40% childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + BH

Job summary

Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant for a part‑time role (20–25 hours/week). The salary starts from £26,662.20 per annum (pro‑rata) and the role runs around lunchtimes from Mon to Fri, with a sample shift like 9:30am–2:30pm. Based in Crawley, the post supports the chef with meals for children.

You will ensure dietary requirements are catered for, maintain hygiene standards, and help deliver nutritious meals in a caring nursery setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role within domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and allergies.
• Good communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Food safety knowledge and COSHH awareness.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef with preparation and cooking of age‑appropriate meals.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen area.
• Communicate dietary needs clearly to teams and cover when needed.

Education

Food Safety Level 2 or above

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery and PreschoolSalary – Starting from £26,662.20 per annum (Full-time equivalent – Pro-rata’d) (dependent on qualification/s and experience)Location – CrawleyAre 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 Crawley Day Nursery and Preschool. This role is working P/T, 20-25 hours a week, covering lunches, Mon-Fri (an example shift could be 9:30am-2:30pm)Our BenefitsChildcare discount of 40% for first child*Enhanced parental leave20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*PensionFinancial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and moreProfessional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach*Subject to T&CsThe RoleAs 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 forPrevious experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial propertyPassion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eatingAbility to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergiesFood Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in postSound knowledge of COSHHGreat communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parentsAbility to work under pressureBright 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.Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!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.Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!We look forward to receiving your application!