Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons; Otterbourne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days leave + holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits and GP access

Career development programme

Shift options 12-5pm

Job summary

Bright Horizons in Otterbourne is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing age-appropriate meals, minimise wastage, and keep the kitchen clean and safe for all children. In the Chef's absence you will run the kitchen and ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are clearly communicated to teams, while delivering nutritious meals with passion.

This role requires relevant cooking experience, Food Safety (CIEH L2+), COSHH awareness, strong communication, and

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, domestic or commercial.
• Passion for nutrition and encouraging healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food safety qualification (CIEH L2+) required by day 1.
• Solid COSHH knowledge.
• Excellent communication with staff, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and cooking age-appropriate meals for children.
• Minimise food waste and maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety.
• Run the kitchen in the Chef's absence.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergies are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Maintain effective communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Support nutrition initiatives and wellbeing in the nursery.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition and healthy eating

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food safety (CIEH L2+)

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Job description

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.

• 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

Our Benefits

• 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
• Shift options: 12-5pm 4/5 days a week