Early Years Kitchen Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

40% childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days leave + holidays

Pension

Virtual GP access

Early wage access

Career development

Job summary

Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and Preschool is looking for an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing nutritious meals for children and to keep the kitchen clean and safe. The role covers managing dietary needs and ensuring clear communication with the team and parents.

You will work under the Chef, ensuring high standards, minimising waste, and upholding food safety practices in a busy nursery environment.

Qualifications

• Food safety qualification (CIEH L2 or equivalent) required on day 1.
• Experience in cooking for children preferred.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and communicate to teams.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children, and parents.

Responsibilities

• Support Chef in preparation and cooking of age-appropriate meals.
• Ensure kitchen is clean and safe; minimize waste.
• Take responsibility for kitchen operations in Chef's absence.
• Communicate dietary requirements clearly to teams.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Dietary requirements management

Teamwork

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and PreschoolSalary – £14.15 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)Hours - Monday to Thursday - 11:00am to 2:00pm (12 hours a week approx.)Location – WD18 7HRAre 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 Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and Preschool.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!We look forward to receiving your application!