At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for up to 97 children in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a top-rated nursery with a community-driven ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an employee-owned company that values your voice and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food safety standards required.
The predicted salary is between 25096 - 25096 € per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Kitchen Assistant | Preparing meals for up to 97 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Hampstead Gate Day Nursery | Milton Keynes | MK13 8RD.
Contract: Permanent | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 08:30-17:00.
Salary: £25,096.50 per annum (pro-rata) | £12.87 per hour.
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in “careers, not jobs”, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work-life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About Us
- We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
- We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
- We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
- We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About You
- You are passionate about preparing wholesome, healthy meals: You have professional catering experience which will enable you to contribute towards the preparation of a range of meals from a set‑menu, using fresh ingredients.
- You are diligent: Your knowledge of COSHH, allergens and manual handling alongside your experience working in a professional kitchen environment will ensure you effectively contribute towards maintaining 5‑star hygiene standards within the kitchen.
- You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure the well‑being and dietary needs of every child are met.
- You are collaborative: In partnership with the Nursery Cook, you will promote healthy eating, build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents and resume full responsibility for all food preparation and cooking tasks in the absence of the cook.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step. Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Kitchen Assistant in Milton Keynes employer: Childbase Partnership Ltd
Join Childbase Partnership, a leading employee-owned nursery group in Milton Keynes, where we prioritise your growth and well-being. Enjoy generous benefits including 23 days of annual leave, a 75% childcare discount, and extensive career development opportunities within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Be part of a community-driven organisation that values every voice and is committed to delivering exceptional childcare while promoting a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Kitchen Assistant in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit the Childbase Partnership website and check out their values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to childcare. This can give you insider info about the nursery and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience with food preparation and hygiene standards aligns with the role. Show them you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what it takes to keep kids healthy and happy.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Kitchen Assistant in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for preparing healthy meals shine through! Share any relevant experience you have in catering and how it aligns with our mission to provide wholesome food for children.
Highlight Your Diligence:Make sure to mention your knowledge of hygiene standards and safety regulations like COSHH. We want to see that you take cleanliness seriously and can maintain our 5-star hygiene standards in the kitchen.
Emphasise Teamwork:Since you'll be working closely with the Nursery Cook and other staff, it's important to showcase your collaborative spirit. Talk about how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you can contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing for the children. Research healthy meal options and understand dietary needs, as this will show your passion for wholesome cooking during the interview.
✨Hygiene is Key
Brush up on your knowledge of COSHH and food hygiene standards. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness in a kitchen environment, as this is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your diligence.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight your ability to work alongside a Nursery Cook and build relationships with colleagues, children, and parents, as teamwork is essential in this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Safeguarding
Understand the importance of safeguarding in a nursery environment. Be prepared to talk about how you would ensure the well-being and dietary needs of every child are met, showcasing your commitment to their health and safety.