Kitchen Assistant

Happy Days Nurseries; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 15,153 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Light Card

Life Assurance

Christmas days off

SPARK wellbeing app

CPD & training

Job summary

Happy Days Nurseries in Cirencester is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support the daily cooking for our Edward Bears Nursery. You will work 30 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, 11:00–17:00, assisting the Chef, preparing meals per menus, and helping with lunch-time activities.

We offer training, a competitive hourly rate, and benefits including a Blue Light Card, life assurance, and CPD opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of healthy eating programmes for children.
• Passion for offering varied and nutritious meals for children.
• Willingness to support the nursery team to achieve the best outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals per weekly menus and cater to children's needs.
• Provide alternatives for dietary requirements where needed.
• Assist the Chef in safely delivering food to nursery rooms.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene practices.

Skills

Healthy eating

Nutrition

Team player

Kitchen experience

Dietary awareness

Job description

Do you love cooking wholesome meals and want to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives? We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant based at ourEdward Bears Nursery in Cirencester.

Our Kitchen Assistant will work 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (all year round), alongside our Chef, as well as supporting the children in the room over lunch times. Working hours are 11:0-17:00.

About the role:

As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll:

• Ensure all meals are prepared in accordance with the weekly menus, catering for all children
• Where appropriate, provide alternatives to children with any special dietary needs
• Ensure that all food preparation complies with health regulations and guidelines though working practices and record keeping
• Be responsible for assisting the Chef in safely delivering the food to each individual nursery room
• Ensure effective communication regarding allergies and special dietary requirements
• Ensure the kitchen and all equipment is kept clean and tidy, including washing up after each service
• Assist in the participation and preparation of our "Let’s Cook" programme with the children and develop good working relationships with the wider staff team
• Cover the Chef during periods of absence and be responsible for taking on the duties of cooking for the nursery and ensuring the smooth running of the day

About you:

Our Kitchen Assistant will have:

• A knowledge and understanding of healthy eating programmes for children and cooking healthy meals
• A passion for offering children a varied and nutritious diet and want to make a difference through your role.
• A strong ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to support the nursery team to achieve the best outcomes for our children, by providing meals which support a healthy diet.
• Experience in working as a Kitchen Assistant and / or have cooking experience in a nursery or school environment however this is not essential
• An awareness of dietary requirements, although this isn’t essential as full training will be provided along with a free Food Hygiene certificate if the successful candidate does not already have one.

Rewarding careers:

We’re committed to nurturing talent and supporting career progression into nursery management roles. Through tailored development plans, mentoring from experienced leaders, and access to accredited training programmes, we empower our team members to grow their leadership skills and take the next step in their careers.

We welcome applicants from under-represented groups including men and offer a competitive range of benefits that aren’t just perks—they are part of a culture that puts people first. They support us build a workplace where you’re empowered to thrive every day and where you’ll feel valued.

What’s in it for you:

• Hourly rate £12.71
• Fully funded Blue Light Card Membership
• Life Assurance
• Christmas On Us - up to 4 gifted days off during Christmas closedown
• An extensive range of Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
• Structured training, mentoring, and a clear career progression pathway all of which will support your CPD

Safeguarding commitment:

Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required vetting process.