Kitchen Assistant

Bright Horizons; Northampton; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons Wooldale Day Nursery and Preschool in Wootton, Northampton is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing nutritious meals for children, with focus on portion control and waste minimisation.

This role requires a Food Safety qualification at Level 2 or higher on day 1, knowledge of COSHH, and strong communication with staff, children, and parents. Shifts are Monday to Friday, 10am–2pm, with on-site parking.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in cooking, domestic or commercial setting.
• Interest in nutrition and healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and food allergies.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef with age-appropriate meals.
• Keep the kitchen clean and safe with minimal waste.
• Communicate dietary needs clearly to teams.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary knowledge

Food Safety L2

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Wooldale Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – Starting from: £12.75per hour

Hours - Monday-Friday, shifts 10am-2pm

Location – Wootton, Northampton, NN4

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 Bright Horizons Wooldale Day Nursery and Preschool. Our nursery in the village of Wootton in Northampton. The nursery is proudly Ofsted rated ‘Good’ and offers great transport links with it being just off of the A45 and close to Junction 15 on the M1. Regular bus routes operate nearby and the nursery offers on-site parking.

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

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. 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.