Nursery Kitchen Assistant

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools; Clapham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave

Medical cashback plan

Training & development

Mentorship & support

Mental health support

Pension and events

Job summary

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools is hiring a Nursery Kitchen Assistant to support meal preparation and hygiene across our nurseries. You will ensure meals and snacks are served promptly, keep kitchens clean, and follow high hygiene standards throughout the day.

The role requires reliability, teamwork and a caring attitude towards children, with DBS check provided by the nursery. 40 hours per week, 9am-5pm, year-round.”

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cleaning/housekeeping, preferably in childcare.
• Solid understanding of hygiene and safety regulations.
• Experience handling allergies and dietary considerations.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work independently.
• Caring, friendly attitude towards children and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks in a sanitary, timely manner.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain a clean, hygienic work station; follow health and safety standards.
• Assist with kitchen and equipment cleaning and organisation.
• Restock items during shifts and manage waste per guidelines.
• Assist with lunch and afternoon tea service when required.
• Communicate needs and dietary requirements with nursery staff.

Skills

Food hygiene

Reliability

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Job description

Role: Nursery Kitchen Assistant

Location: Southfields

Pay: £26,700.00 per year

Hours: 40 per week - 5 days a week - 9am - 5pm (all year round)

As the Kitchen Assistant, it is your responsibility to ensure that children are served their meals or snacks in a timely manner and to be reliable and detail-oriented cleaners to help maintain high hygiene standards in our nurseries.

What You'll Enjoy

• 32 Days Annual Leave: Including 4 personal wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays
• Medical Cashback Plan: Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 annually, covering everyday health costs like dental, optical, and therapies
• Training & Development: Ongoing courses in First Aid, Safeguarding, food safety etc.
• Mentorship & Support
• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing
• Company Pension and Events: Including social activities that help you feel part of a community

We Invest Heavily In Our Team With

• Blue Light Card access with major high street stores/food/cinema/holiday/travel discounts (various discounts between 10-20% off)
• Long service rewards
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Team social events and celebrations
• Ongoing professional development
• Inclusive and positive working environment
• First aid and safeguarding training

Kitchen Duties

• Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner
• Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
• Maintain a clean working station whilst adhering to health & safety standards
• Assist with the cleaning and organisation of kitchen and equipment
• Restock items as needed throughout the shift
• Adhere to all food hygiene & safety standards
• Recording food temperatures
• Communicate with the nursery practitioners regularly to ensure that each child’s needs are met to the best of your knowledge, with particular attention to individual dietary requirements.
• You will also be responsible for clearing up after lunch service and preparing for the afternoon tea service.

Cleaning Duties

• Clean and sanitize all areas of the kitchen/staff room area.
• Ensure floors are vacuumed, mopped, and free of debris.
• Empty bins and dispose of waste appropriately, following hygiene and recycling guidelines.
• Refill soap dispensers, paper towels, and other hygiene supplies.
• Follow nursery cleaning schedules and infection control policies.
• Help maintain a safe environment by reporting any maintenance issues or hazards.
• Provide occasional supervision support if needed (under staff guidance).
• Be friendly and approachable, fostering a warm and caring atmosphere for children.

Person Specification (Essential)

• Previous experience in a cleaning or housekeeping role (preferably in a childcare setting)
• Understanding of hygiene and health & safety regulations.
• Experience and knowledge of/handling allergies
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Friendly, professional and approachable, with a caring attitude towards children.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Enhanced DBS check required (provided by the nursery)
• Uniform/PPE provided where applicable.