Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing healthy meals for children and maintain a clean kitchen.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a top-rated workplace dedicated to quality childcare and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40% childcare discount, enhanced parental leave, and access to virtual GP appointments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's nutrition while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Previous cooking experience, knowledge of dietary requirements, and great communication skills needed.
- Other info: Part-time role, 15 hours per week, with opportunities for professional development.
Nursery – Buckhurst Hill Day Nursery and Preschool
Salary – £12.88 per hour (dependant on qualification/s and experience)
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 a part-time Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our Buckhurst Hill nursery. This position is for 15 hours per week, Monday to Friday 12-3pm.
- £12.88 per hour
- 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*
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.
If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today! We look forward to receiving your application!
Early Years Kitchen Assistant employer: Bright Horizons UK
Contact Detail:
Bright Horizons UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the HEART principles of the organisation. During your interactions, whether in interviews or informal chats, weave these values into your conversation to show that you align with their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in cooking roles, especially those involving children or dietary requirements. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed food allergies or catered to different dietary needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for nutrition and healthy eating by discussing any initiatives or projects you've been involved in. This could be anything from meal planning to educating others about healthy choices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure in a kitchen environment. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed busy periods or unexpected challenges, as this will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Early Years Kitchen Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your previous experience in cooking roles, especially any work with children or in a nursery setting. Emphasise your passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation's HEART principles. Mention specific examples of how you have demonstrated honesty, excellence, accountability, respect, and teamwork in your previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or equivalent, make sure to mention it prominently in your application. Also, include any other relevant qualifications or training that align with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons UK
✨Show Your Passion for Nutrition
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for healthy eating and nutrition during the interview. Share any personal experiences or initiatives you've taken to promote healthy eating, especially in a childcare setting.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Dietary Requirements
Be prepared to discuss how you would manage different dietary needs, particularly food allergies. You might want to provide examples from your past experience where you successfully catered to specific dietary requirements.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with children, parents, and colleagues, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Think of examples where you effectively communicated important information or resolved misunderstandings.
✨Prepare for Questions on Food Safety
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and practices, especially COSHH and Food Safety CIEH Level 2. Be ready to answer questions about how you ensure a clean and safe kitchen environment.
