At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prepare healthy meals and support children during lunch at our nursery.
- Company: Happy Days Nursery, a nurturing environment focused on children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Up to £19,827.60 salary, 50% childcare discount, and extensive health services.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities with tailored training and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for healthy eating; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 19827 - 19827 € per year.
Application Deadline: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Saltford, BS31 3DJ
Salary: Up to £19,827.60 per annum (based on 30 hour week)
Positions Available: 1
Hours per week: 30
Job Summary: 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 Saltford. Our Kitchen Assistant will work 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (all year round), alongside our Chef, as well as supporting the children in the room over lunch times.
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.
- 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:
- Salary: Up to £19,827.60 per annum (based on 30 hour week).
- 50% childcare discount.
- 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 Saltford employer: Happy Days Nurseries
Happy Days Nurseries is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment for our Kitchen Assistants in Saltford. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer tailored development plans, mentoring, and access to accredited training programmes, ensuring that you can advance your career while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. Our culture prioritises well-being, providing competitive benefits such as a 50% childcare discount, life assurance, and extensive health services, all designed to empower you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant in Saltford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a look at their website and social media. Understanding their values and what they stand for will help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions related to kitchen roles and rehearse your answers. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with them, let your love for cooking and working with children come through. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for healthy eating.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop them a quick thank-you email. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant in Saltford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know how much you love cooking and why it matters to you. Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, especially if they involve working with children or healthy eating!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills match the Kitchen Assistant role. Mention any relevant experience you have, even if it's not directly in a nursery setting—every bit counts!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team at Happy Days Nursery.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Days Nurseries
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the weekly menus and any dietary requirements that might come up. Being able to discuss how you would cater for children with special dietary needs will show your understanding and commitment to their health.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children shine through. Share any experiences you've had in preparing healthy meals or engaging with kids during meal times. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Talk about your ability to work as part of a team, especially in a kitchen environment. Mention any past experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as this role involves supporting the Chef and other staff members.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the 'Let’s Cook' programme or how the nursery supports its staff's professional development. This shows you're engaged and interested in the role beyond just the basics.
