At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Chef in preparing nutritious meals for children and maintain a clean kitchen.
- Company: Happy Days Nurseries, dedicated to child wellbeing and professional growth.
- Benefits: Earn up to £12.71/hour, enjoy 20 days annual leave, and access health services.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for training and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy cooking and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Passion for healthy eating; experience in kitchens is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Location: Bristol, BS16 1GU - Filton
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Positions Available: 1
Hours per week: 25
Job Summary: Our Kitchen Assistant will work 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (all year round), alongside our Chef.
What we offer:
- Up to £12.71 per hour, depending on qualifications
- Pension & Life Assurance*
- 20 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and more!**
- An additional day each year to celebrate something personal to you*
- Funded DBS Update Service
- Funded Blue Light Card Membership
- Access to digital GP 24/7 with on-demand counselling services
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
- Recognition and celebration for Long Service
About the role: As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll:
- Ensure all meals are prepared in accordance with the weekly menus, catering for all children
- Where appropriate, provide alternatives to children with any special dietary needs
- Ensure that all food preparation complies with health regulations and guidelines through working practices and record keeping
- Be responsible for assisting the Chef in safely delivering the food to each individual nursery room
- Ensure effective communication regarding allergies and special dietary requirements
- Ensure that the kitchen and all equipment is kept clean and tidy, including washing up after each service
- Assist in the participation and preparation of our “Let’s Cook” programme with the children and develop good working relationships with the wider staff team
- Cover the Chef during periods of absence and be responsible for taking on the duties of cooking for the nursery and ensuring the smooth running of the day
About you: Our Kitchen Assistant will have:
- A knowledge and understanding of healthy eating programmes for children and cooking healthy meals
- A passion for offering children a varied and nutritious diet and want to make a difference through your role.
- A strong ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to support the nursery team to achieve the best outcomes for our children, by providing meals which support a healthy diet.
- Preferably have experience in working as a Kitchen Assistant and/or have cooking experience in a nursery or school environment; however, this is not essential
- An awareness of dietary requirements, although this isn’t essential as full training will be provided along with a free Food Hygiene certificate if the successful candidate does not already have one.
*Subject to eligibility criteria
**up to an additional four gifted days off during Christmas closedown or if the setting is open 52-weeks of the year, an additional four days to your annual leave entitlement, pro rata
Safeguarding commitment: Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required vetting process.
Kitchen Assistant in Bristol employer: Happy Days Nurseries
Happy Days is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Swindon where employees can thrive and develop their careers. With flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to health and wellbeing, you will find a workplace that values your contributions and fosters growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a growing organisation dedicated to supporting early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Bristol
✨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 Happy Days Nurseries. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Happy Days Nurseries
Don't be shy about reaching out to Happy Days Nurseries 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 Bristol
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 Happy Days Nurseries 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 Happy Days Nurseries
✨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!
