Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited; Watford; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits & career coaching

Job summary

Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery in Watford is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant. The role supports the Chef in preparing and cooking meals for children, with emphasis on nutrition and portion control. You will help manage dietary requirements and maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment.

The position is permanent, Monday to Thursday, 11:00am–2:00pm, located at WD18 7HR. Benefits include childcare discounts, enhanced parental leave, and pension options.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial setting.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and allergies.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef in preparing and cooking age-appropriate meals.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated clearly.
• In the absence of the Chef, run the kitchen and maintain safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition awareness

Dietary knowledge

Food allergy awareness

Food safety L2+

Communication skills

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery

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

Hours - Mon-Thursday | 11:00am-2:00pm | Permanent

Location – WD18 7HR

Are 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 The Park Day Nursery in Watford!

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

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.