Nursery Kitchen Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 32 days

Medical cashback plan

Training & development

Mentorship

Mental health support

Pension and events

Blue Light Card discounts

Long service rewards

Team social events

Ongoing professional development

Inclusive and positive environment

First aid training

Job summary

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools is looking for a Kitchen Assistant for our Wandsworth nurseries. You will prepare meals and snacks, maintain high hygiene standards, and support cleaning duties across the kitchen and staff areas.

The role requires reliability, attention to detail, and a caring attitude toward children. 40 hours per week, 9am–5pm, £26,700 per year, with a strong focus on health and safety in a childcare environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cleaning or housekeeping role (childcare preferred).
• 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.
• Enhanced DBS check provided by the nursery.
• Uniform/PPE provided where applicable.

Responsibilities

• 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 cleaning and organisation of kitchen and equipment.
• Restock items as needed throughout the shift.
• Adhere to all food hygiene & safety standards.
• Record food temperatures.
• Communicate with nursery practitioners to meet each child’s dietary needs.
• Clear up after lunch service and prepare for afternoon tea service.
• Clean and sanitize all areas of the kitchen/staff room area.
• Ensure floors are vacuumed, mopped and free of debris.

Skills

Cleaning experience

Hygiene knowledge

Allergy handling

Team player

Job description

Role: Nursery Kitchen Assistant
Location: Wandsworth
Pay: £26,700.00 per year
Hours: 40 per week (5 days a week - 9am - 5pm)
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.