Kitchen Assistant

Acorn Early Years; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A children's nursery in Northamptonshire is seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to prepare and serve nutritious meals for children while ensuring high hygiene standards. The role involves collaboration with the nursery team, adherence to dietary requirements, and active participation in community events. Applicants should possess relevant experience in food preparation and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children.

Benefits

65% Childcare discount

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and cooking in an educational or childcare setting is preferred.
• Understanding of children's dietary needs and allergies.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare age-appropriate meals in a safe and clean environment.
• Support the nursery cook and assist in managing kitchen supplies.
• Follow health and safety regulations while preparing food.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Flexibility

Childcare awareness

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Kitchen Assistant to join our nursery in Stanwick. Acorn at Stanwick is based in a historic village in Northamptonshire, which offers a homely space for children to relax and have fun whilst learning and socialising with other children. We work closely with the community and often become involved with village events and use the local amenities and surrounding area, including our own raised beds at the local allotment.

This is a part-time position of 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday 11:30-17:30 each day.

Role

• To support in the preparation and cooking of age-appropriate food to high standards in a clean, tidy, safe, and pleasant environment.
• To embrace, understand and promote Acorn and to understand the role of the team to provide high levels of care and education.
• Work in co-operation and partnership with the nursery team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to nursery staff.
• Supporting the preparation of enough age-appropriate food for all children on a daily basis with minimum wastage.
• To tidy up the eating rooms and kitchen.
• To have a sound knowledge of all company policies and procedures.
• Work in partnership with the nursery team and parents at all times to support the nurseries care and education provision.
• To help monitor supplies in the kitchen and inform the relevant person if supplies are running low so replacements can be ordered.
• To support the Nursery Cook in managing budget requirements.
• To maintain and promote a high standard of cleanliness and food hygiene at all times and ensure all relevant paperwork is completed and the kitchen is a safe environment.
• To take over the responsibilities of the nursery cook in their absence as required.
• To meet the legal and company requirements for fire, health & safety, equal opportunities, child protection & special educational needs.
• To respond appropriately to issues regarding confidentiality, e.g. awareness of personal information regarding children.
• Support, promote and implement policies as appropriate in your job role.
• To inform the nursery manager of any problems, concerns or issues which may affect your ability to carry out your responsibilities effectively or which may be affecting the quality of care in the nursery.
• To take reasonable care of yourself and others and to comply with the Company’s Health & Safety guidelines.
• Support the manager and work as a team to ensure a good or better inspection outcome.
• Understand the importance of keeping everyone safe and the part you play in this.
• To safeguard all children in our care.

Expectations

• To be flexible and willing to undertake tasks according to the needs of the nursery, mainly domestic duties.
• To support all staff, working as a team, adapting your role as necessary, and taking on specific responsibilities as required.
• To support the Nursery Manager/Deputy Nursery Manager to ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed in line with Local Authority and Company Procedures.
• Encourage and model behaviour which is age-appropriate in a child environment, being professional at all times.
• Support and attend out-of-hours activities, e.g. staff meetings, parents’ evenings, open days & social events.
• To take up opportunities for continuing professional development.

At Acorn, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. As an inclusive employer, we’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process. You must have the right to work in the UK, be able to provide two satisfactory references, and, due to the nature of our sector, all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount - Pro Rata - According to contracted hours
• Generous family leave
• Christmas closure
• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
• 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Cyclescheme
• Techscheme
• Length of Service awards
• Pay advances for times of need
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme

Vacancy Reference: 19

Posted via: eyrecruit