Early years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; St. Day; On-site; GBP 16,081 - 22,904; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount of 40% for the first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant for our New Eltham Nursery in London. The role is part-time, working Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:00, offering a starting salary of £14.15 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience.

You'll support the Chef in food preparation while ensuring a clean kitchen. Ideal candidates have previous cooking experience and a passion for nutrition. Benefits include childcare discounts and professional development access.

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role in a domestic or commercial property.
• Knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, especially food allergies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking food for children.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the Chef's absence.

Skills

Previous experience within a cooking role

Passion for nutrition

Ability to manage dietary requirements

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Knowledge of COSHH

Great communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons New Eltham Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £14.15 per hour (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – New Eltham, London

We’re looking for an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our New Eltham Nursery, situated in New Eltham, Sidcup Road. Very close to New Eltham station and bus links. This is a part time role working Monday-Friday, 9:30‑16:00.

The nursery offers an incredible outdoor space, Forest school, large staff kitchen and lounge area.

Our Benefits

• From £14.15 per hour
• 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: 20 hours over 4 days
• Subject to T&Cs

The Role

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.

What We’re Looking For

• 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

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. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

For any assistance, please email [e-mail].