At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chef in preparing healthy meals for children and maintain a clean kitchen.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a top-rated nursery with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40% childcare discount, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with great career growth and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, passion for nutrition, and knowledge of dietary requirements.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Nursery – Bright Horizons Witney Day Nursery
Salary – £12.88 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)
Hours – Mon‑Fri | 9am‑3pm | Permanent
Location – Witney, Oxfordshire
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 Witney Day Nursery! This Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery caters for up to 85 children from ages 3 months up to 5 years. It includes 3 age‑based rooms and a beautiful outdoor space for the children to enjoy.
Our Benefits
- 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
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.
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!
If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.
Kitchen Assistant in Witney employer: Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
Contact Detail:
Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's HEART principles! When you walk in for your interview, show how you embody Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to chat about your cooking experience! Think of specific examples where you've managed dietary requirements or created healthy meals. We love hearing about your passion for nutrition and how you inspire others to eat well.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll be working with kids, parents, and colleagues, so being able to express yourself clearly is key. Maybe even role-play some scenarios with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition: When writing your application, let us know about your love for healthy eating and nutrition. Share any experiences or ideas you have that could inspire the little ones to enjoy their meals!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous cooking roles you've had, whether at home or in a professional setting. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for in a Kitchen Assistant.
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be working with children and parents, it's important to demonstrate your great communication skills in your application. Use clear and friendly language to show us how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
✨Know Your HEART Principles
Familiarise yourself with the HEART principles: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are central to the nursery's culture.
✨Showcase Your Cooking Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous cooking roles, whether in a domestic or commercial setting. Highlight any specific experiences related to preparing age-appropriate meals and managing dietary requirements, especially food allergies.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with children, parents, and colleagues, strong communication skills are essential. Prepare to share how you've effectively communicated in past roles, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Nutrition
Express your enthusiasm for healthy eating and nutrition. Share ideas on how you can inspire children to enjoy nutritious meals and any initiatives you've been part of that promote healthy eating habits.