Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons; Priestwood; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits including GP access

Career development programme

Subject to T&Cs

Job summary

Bright Horizons is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing age-appropriate meals for nursery children, while minimising waste and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen. You may lead the kitchen in the Chef’s absence and must communicate dietary needs clearly to teams.

The role requires cooking experience, a passion for nutrition, knowledge of dietary requirements, COSHH and food safety qualifications, and excellent communication with staff, children and parents.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Food Safety L2 or above must be obtained on day 1 in post.
• COSHH knowledge is essential.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing age-appropriate meals.
• In the absence of the Chef, run the kitchen and ensure safe operation.
• Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition awareness

Dietary knowledge

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Food Safety L2

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
• Subject to T&Cs