Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Milton; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Paid Christmas closure

Pension

24/7 virtual GP appointments

Access to careers coach

Job summary

Bright Horizons Cambridge Milton Road Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing meals for children across the nursery. The role runs from 11am to 3pm and offers a starting hourly salary.

You will ensure nutritious meals, respect dietary needs, and keep the kitchen clean and safe. A DBS check is required due to safeguarding in early years settings.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for children or commercial/domestic kitchens.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Strong communication with staff, children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef in preparing meals for all children.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety; manage wastage.
• Ensure dietary requirements are communicated clearly to teams.

Skills

Food Safety

Dietary requirements

Communication

Teamwork

Work under pressure

Education

Food Safety Certification (CIEH L2+)

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Cambridge Milton Road Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – Starting from £14.15 per hour

Location – Cambridge

Hours - 11am-3pm

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 Cambridge Milton Road Nursery.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 40% for 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&Cs

The Role

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.

What We’re Looking For

• 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

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Bright 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.