Early Years Mealtime & Nursery Support Assistant

YMCA Fairthorne Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bank Holidays included

Health cash plan

Employee assistance programme

Blue Light Card

Gym discounts

Cycle to Work

Professional learning and development

Job summary

YMCA Fairthorne Group operates nurseries in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are seeking an Early Years Lunchtime Assistant at Whale Island Nursery in Portsmouth to help provide nutritious meals, support children during mealtimes, and manage laundry and cleaning to keep learning spaces welcoming.

You will work alongside our nursery practitioners to ensure a calm, safe and hygienic environment, with a focus on practical, hands-on support for busy lunchtimes.

Qualifications

• Basic health and safety understanding.
• Awareness of children's nutritional needs.
• Food Hygiene qualification or willingness to train.
• Experience in catering, hospitality or childcare.
• Strong cleanliness, hygiene and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily laundry duties, including washing, drying, folding and organising nursery laundry.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the nursery, cleaning and sanitising designated areas, equipment and surfaces.
• Support the nursery team with general housekeeping, ensuring rooms and communal areas remain clean, tidy, safe and organised.
• Help maintain a welcoming, hygienic and comfortable environment for children, staff and visitors.
• Assist with distributing meals and supporting children with their lunch where appropriate, encouraging independence and positive eating habits.
• Ensure mealtime areas are cleaned and tidied after use, following appropriate hygiene and food safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with nursery practitioners and colleagues to support the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Respond flexibly to the needs of the nursery, providing additional support to children and colleagues wherever required.

Skills

Health & safety awareness

Nutrition awareness

Food Hygiene qualification

Experience in catering/childcare

Teamwork

Job description

YMCA Fairthorne Group operates nurseries in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are seeking an Early Years Lunchtime Assistant at Whale Island Nursery in Portsmouth to help provide nutritious meals, support children during mealtimes, and manage laundry and cleaning to keep learning spaces welcoming.

You will work alongside our nursery practitioners to ensure a calm, safe and hygienic environment, with a focus on practical, hands-on support for busy lunchtimes.