At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chef in preparing healthy meals for children and maintain a clean kitchen.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a nursery driven by HEART principles.
- Benefits: Earn from £14.15 per hour, enjoy childcare discounts, and access professional development.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, passion for nutrition, and great communication skills.
Nursery – Bright Horizons Eltham Green Day Nursery and Preschool
Salary – From £14.15 per hour (dependant on qualification/s and experience)
Location – Eltham, London
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 Eltham Green Nursery, situated in Eltham, London. This is a part time position working 8:00-13:00, Monday-Thursday.
Our Benefits
- From £14.15 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
- Shift options: 20 hours over 4 days
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.
Early Years Kitchen Assistant employer: Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
Bright Horizons Eltham Green Day Nursery and Preschool is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture driven by our HEART principles: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. With competitive pay starting at £14.15 per hour, generous benefits including a 40% childcare discount, enhanced parental leave, and a commitment to professional development, we empower our employees to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in our care.
Contact Details:
Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Kitchen Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
