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Hainault Day Nursery; Chigwell; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Hainault Day Nursery in the United Kingdom is seeking a reliable Kitchen Assistant to support daily meal service and maintain high standards of cleanliness. You will wash dishes, assist with setting up meals, and help the kitchen run smoothly, without any cooking duties.

This role focuses on hygiene, safety, stock handling, and teamwork within a nursery environment. You will follow food hygiene rules, use PPE, and keep records, supporting the cook and nursery staff to ensure a safe,

Qualifications

• Experience in cleaning, kitchen assistant, or catering support preferred.
• Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to undertake training.
• Ability to work to high cleanliness and health/safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setting up and clearing away meal and snack service.
• Deliver meals, snacks, and drinks to nursery rooms as required.
• Collect used crockery, cutlery, and serving equipment after meal times.
• Support the cook and nursery team with general kitchen-related tasks.
• Wash dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, and food service items.
• Clean and sanitise kitchen surfaces, sinks, cupboards, and dining areas.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and records as required.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Report any damaged equipment or maintenance concerns.
• Follow all food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control procedures.
• Wear PPE when required and comply with nursery policies.

Skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Organisation

Professionalism

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

To support the smooth running of the nursery kitchen by maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation. The role involves assisting with meal service, washing up, and ensuring the kitchen environment remains safe and compliant with food hygiene regulations. No cooking or food preparation duties are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with setting up and clearing away meal and snack service.
• Deliver meals, snacks, and drinks to nursery rooms as required.
• Collect used crockery, cutlery, and serving equipment after meal times.
• Support the cook and nursery team with general kitchen-related tasks.

Cleaning and Hygiene

• Wash dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, and food service items.
• Clean and sanitise kitchen surfaces, sinks, cupboards, and dining areas.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, tidy, and organised throughout the day.
• Empty bins and dispose of waste in accordance with nursery procedures.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and records as required.

Stock and Equipment

• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Organise kitchen supplies and ensure storage areas are kept tidy.
• Report any damaged equipment or maintenance concerns to the appropriate person.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow all food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control procedures.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
• Comply with nursery policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and nursery operations.
• Support the nursery's safeguarding responsibilities and professional standards.

Person Specification

• Reliable, punctual, and hardworking.
• Good attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Previous experience in a cleaning, kitchen assistant, or catering support role.
• Basic understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to undertake training).

Safeguarding Statement

• The nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory references and relevant background checks.