At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and support them during lunch times.
- Company: Happy Days Nursery, a nurturing environment focused on children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, Blue Light Card, life assurance, and health services.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities with tailored training and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while developing your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for healthy eating and willingness to learn; experience is a plus but not essential.
Do you love cooking wholesome meals and want to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives? We’re looking for a Kitchen Assistant based at our Happy Days Nursery in Poole. Our Kitchen Assistant will work 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (all year round), alongside our Chef, as well as supporting the children in the room over lunch times. Working hours are 09:30 to 14:30.
About the role
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Rewarding careers
We’re committed to nurturing talent and supporting career progression into nursery management roles. Through tailored development plans, mentoring from experienced leaders, and access to accredited training programmes, we empower our team members to grow their leadership skills and take the next step in their careers.
We welcome applicants from under-represented groups including men and offer a competitive range of benefits that aren’t just perks—they are part of a culture that puts people first. They support us build a workplace where you’re empowered to thrive every day and where you’ll feel valued.
What’s in it for you
- Hourly rate £13.10
- Fully funded Blue Light Card Membership
- Life Assurance
- Christmas On Us - up to 4 gifted days off during Christmas closedown
- An extensive range of Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
- Structured training, mentoring, and a clear career progression pathway all of which will support your CPD.
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 Poole employer: Happy Days Nurseries
Happy Days Nurseries in Yeovil is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. As an Early Years Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while benefiting from competitive salaries and a range of perks designed to foster growth and job satisfaction in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Poole
✨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 Poole
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!
