Early Years Kitchen Assistant P/T

Bright Horizons; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's nursery organization is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support food preparation and cooking for young children, ensuring dietary needs are met. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. The nursery is located in Crouch End, London and offers a supportive environment for personal development. Benefits include childcare discounts, enhanced leave options, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

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 program access

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role is essential.
• Passion for healthy eating to inspire children.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support Chef in food preparation and cooking.
• Manage kitchen operations in Chef's absence.
• Ensure dietary requirements are communicated.

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

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.

Requirements

• 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

Salary – Starting from £28,184 per annum (Full‑time equivalent – pro‑rated), dependent on qualification/s and experience.

Location – Crouch End, London. Working hours: Mon–Fri, 1pm–5pm.

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 our Crouch End Fields Day Nursery. The Nursery is situated on the grounds of Hornsey Cricket Club, close to Crouch End station and Highgate tube. The 88‑place nursery is Ofsted rated “Good” and offers a full refurbishment, two gardens and an off‑road car park. They hold exhibitions, concerts and shows throughout the year, alongside having ballet, Spanish, street dance and Zumba lessons weekly!!

Benefits

• Childcare discount of 40% for the 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&C’s