At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep and cooking for children under five in a vibrant nursery kitchen.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a leading employee-owned childcare provider since 1989.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, discounts, and well-being support from day one.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team making a positive impact on children's lives and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for healthy food for young children.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinaryat our BRAND NEW nursery (opened in May 2026).
Role: Kitchen Assistant | Preparing meals for up to 124 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Garsington Road Day Nursery | Cowley, Oxford | OX4 2DQ.
Contract: Permanent; to start in September/October 2026 | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
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 ourPartnership 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.
- Wellbeingsupport : 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 communitydriven : 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 arecollaborative : 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’recommittedto 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.
#J-18808-LjbffrNursery Kitchen Assistant employer: Childbase Partnership
At Childbase Partnership, we pride ourselves on being a 100% employee-owned company, fostering a culture where every voice matters and everyone shares in our success. Our commitment to work-life balance is exemplified through our generous leave policies, including up to 50 days off per year, alongside exceptional growth opportunities through our Training Academy of Excellence. Join us at our Julia Durbin Day Nursery in Headington, Oxford, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a supportive and rewarding work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Kitchen Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to childcare excellence and employee ownership will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions, showcasing that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in a professional kitchen environment when networking or during informal conversations. This can help you make connections with current employees who might provide insights or even refer you internally, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and dietary requirements. Being able to articulate your understanding of COSHH and allergens will demonstrate your diligence and attention to detail, which are crucial for the Kitchen Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with Childbase Partnership on social media platforms. By following them and interacting with their posts, you can gain insights into their community initiatives and workplace culture, which can be beneficial during interviews and show your genuine interest in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Kitchen Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Kitchen Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience in food preparation and working in a professional kitchen environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for providing healthy food for children. Include specific examples of your previous work in kitchens, focusing on your attention to detail and knowledge of food hygiene standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Childbase Partnership. Mention how your skills align with their mission of delivering childcare excellence and your commitment to teamwork and building relationships.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for the Kitchen Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for providing wholesome meals for children. Share any relevant experiences you have in preparing healthy dishes and how you believe nutrition impacts children's development.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your knowledge of food safety regulations, such as COSHH and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Childbase Partnership values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experience working in a team. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with colleagues and contributed to a supportive work environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the Kitchen Assistant position and the nursery's approach to food preparation. This demonstrates your commitment to understanding the role and how you can contribute effectively.
