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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for up to 148 children in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a leading inclusive employer with a community-driven ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support including free meals.
- 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 a passion for healthy cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 27000 £ per year.
This job is with Childbase Partnership, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Role: Kitchen Assistant | Preparing meals for up to 148 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Brinds Well Day Nursery | Chelsfield, Orpington | BR6 7PH.
Contract: Permanent | 25 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Monday-Friday 13:00-18:00.
Salary: £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 Kent employer: Childbase Partnership
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Kitchen Assistant in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit the Childbase Partnership website and check out their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to childcare. Building relationships can give you insider info 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 aligns with their focus on healthy meals and safeguarding. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their ethos too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Kitchen Assistant in Kent
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! Mention 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 include 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. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships in previous roles and how you can contribute to a supportive kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of healthy meal preparation and the importance of using fresh ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating nutritious meals for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
✨Show Your Diligence
Familiarise yourself with COSHH regulations, allergens, and manual handling practices. During the interview, highlight your experience in maintaining high hygiene standards in a professional kitchen environment to demonstrate your diligence.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Childbase Partnership values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles. Discuss how you would partner with the Nursery Cook to promote healthy eating and build relationships with colleagues and parents.
✨Advocate for Safeguarding
Make it clear that you understand the importance of safeguarding in a nursery setting. Be ready to explain how you would ensure the well-being and dietary needs of every child are met, showcasing your commitment to their health and safety.