At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the nursery cook in preparing and serving nutritious meals for children aged 0-5.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, where your voice matters.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a team recognised as one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for healthy cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.72 - 12.72 £ per hour.
Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £12.72 per hour
Contracted Hours: 17.5 hours per week
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.
About the Role: As a Nursery Kitchen Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the nursery cook with the preparation and serving of nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 0‑5. You will assist with various kitchen duties to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and food safety are maintained.
What does the role involve?
- Assisting with the preparation and cooking of meals and snacks, following a set menu.
- Helping to prepare fresh ingredients, ensuring they are properly cleaned and stored.
- Serving food to children, ensuring appropriate portion sizes.
- Washing up and cleaning kitchen equipment, utensils, and surfaces to maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
- Ensuring compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations at all times.
- Supporting the cook in accommodating children’s dietary needs and allergies.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in a kitchen environment (experience in a nursery, school, or similar setting is a plus).
- A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or willingness to obtain one).
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- The ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
- A passion for preparing healthy, nutritious meals for young children.
- A good understanding of food hygiene, safety, and health regulations.
Important Safeguarding Information: Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles—not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
Benefits:
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries.
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more).
- Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care, & dental treatment.
- A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Kitchen Assistant in Somerset employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
At Tops Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, where every team member is valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of providing exceptional early years care. Located in Taunton, Somerset, our nurturing work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering generous benefits such as up to 60% childcare discount, health and wellbeing support, and a unique opportunity to shape your career in a rewarding environment recognised as one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Somerset
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
