Nursery Kitchen Assistant - Orpington
0Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
At Childbase Partnership we have been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life and instil a lifelong passion for learning. Across all 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and our Training Academy of Excellence, our dedicated colleagues work together to create a lasting, positive impact in our local communities.
We are determined to be excellent and constantly strive for the best outcomes, not only for the children in our care but for every colleague too.
What makes us special?
- We are 100% employee-owned – which means we are all partners, we all have a meaningful voice, and we own our future (this includes sharing profits too, tax-free).
- Sector leading initiative: “Partnership Reward Days” – going the extra mile to promote a healthy work/life balance for you with up to an extra 20 days paid leave a year, meaning up to a phenomenal 50 days leave, with the option to sell a proportion if you would prefer; the choice is yours!
- ‘Number 1’ - we have earned the top spot in the prestigious Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes, all thanks to our extraordinary colleagues.
- Record-breaking Green Flag achievements, and climate-positive status - we save more CO2 than we create (take that, climate change!).
- Planting in excess of 2,000 trees in the Eden Restoration project - because the planet needs a hug too.
- Over £3.5 million raised for charity – we’re basically fundraising superheroes (without the capes).
At Childbase Partnership, our ethos is simple; we all belong , we all matter, and we all contribute so we all benefit. Our core values foster happiness, confidence, and growth, with a ‘careers not jobs’ approach, shaping the future of our extraordinary company together.
Own your future and join us as the Kitchen Assistant at our 148-place Brinds Well Day Nursery in Orpington.
This role is part-time, working 15 hours a week. Working hours are 11:00am-14:00pm, Monday-Friday, 52 weeks of the year. However, when one of the Cooks is on leave, you will be required to work additional hours to ensure the kitchen is covered fully. In these instances, you will typically be required to work 11:00am-18:00/18:30pm (up to 35 hours a week).
For this role we are seeking someone who has current (or very recent) experience working in a busy, professional kitchen environment, perhaps as a Kitchen Assistant or a Kitchen Porter.
Join us and benefit from:
- A competitive salary: £24,102 per annum (pro-rata) / £12.36 per hour.
- From day 1: 75% discount for parents and 40% discount for grandparents at any Childbase nursery.
- Generous leave entitlement: Starting with 23 days annual leave rising to 28 days (pro-rata), plus paid bank holidays and up to 20 additional paid days off through our Partnership Reward Days initiative.
- Exclusive rewards: Tax-free Partnership dividends, qualification reward payments, long-service bonuses, retail discounts, family fun days with free tickets to UK attractions and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Well-being support: Mental Health First Aiders, two free meals a day in the nursery, subsidised medical care, flu jabs, eye care vouchers, occupational health support, and a free will-writing service.
- Growth opportunities: Team inset training days, professional development support, online courses, and apprenticeships through our Training Academy of Excellence.
Your knowledge, skills and character qualities make you the perfect Kitchen Assistant. You are:
- Passionate about providing wholesome, healthy food for children under five; your experience of working in a professional kitchen environment enables you to contribute towards the preparation of a range of meals from a set-menu, using fresh ingredients.
- Naturally diligent with excellent attention to detail; your knowledge of COSHH, allergens and environmental health legislation ensures you contribute towards maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen and all children’s dietary requirements are met.
- An advocate for partnership working; you thrive as part of a team environment and you enjoy building meaningful and respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents to promote healthy eating choices.
The Kitchen Assistant works in partnership with the Nursery Cook to effectively maintain a 5-star food hygiene rating and resumes responsibility managing the kitchen in the absence of the Nursery Cook.
Are you ready to contribute to something quite extraordinary?
To apply, you must currently reside in the UK and hold suitable Right To Work in the UK. We are sorry, VISA sponsorship is not available at present. Before commencing in your new role, you will be required to provide Right To Work documentation and any relevant qualifications. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references must also be obtained for you. Rest assured our Recruitment Team are on hand to support and guide you through every step of the process.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Kitchen Assistant - Orpington
✨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 Childbase Partnership. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Childbase Partnership
Don't be shy about reaching out to Childbase Partnership 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!
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 Childbase Partnership 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 Childbase Partnership
✨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!
