At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing healthy meals for children and maintain a clean kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a top-rated workplace committed to care and education.
- Benefits: Earn £12.75/hour, enjoy 40% childcare discount, and access professional development.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, passion for nutrition, and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12.75 - 12.75 £ per hour.
Nursery – Bright Horizons Colchester Day Nursery & Preschool, 1B Whitmore Drive, Colchester, Essex, CO4 6BT
Salary – £12.75 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)
Hours – Part Time – 25 hours per week, Monday – Friday (Can either be 9.30am – 2.30pm, or 10am – 3pm)
Location – Colchester, Essex CO4 6BT
Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”
We’re looking for an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our Colchester Day Nursery & Preschool, located in Essex CO4 6BT.
Our Benefits
- £12.75 per hour
- Childcare discount of 40% for first child
- Enhanced parental leave
- 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure
- Ability to also purchase additional leave*
- Pension
- Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
- Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach*
*Subject to T&Cs
The Role
As an Early Years Kitchen Assistant, you will support the Chef in the preparation and cooking of age‑appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage, and in keeping the kitchen a clean and safe environment. In the absence of the Chef, you will take responsibility for the running of the kitchen, and ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.
What we’re looking for
- Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
- Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
- Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
- Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
- Sound knowledge of COSHH
- Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
- Ability to work under pressure
Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.
Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.
Our Culture
At Bright Horizons, our culture is built on our commitment to Keeping Everyone Safe and providing world‑class care and education, delivered by a world‑class workforce. We believe our people’s potential is endless and with this in mind, we aspire to create an environment where our colleagues can thrive and accomplish the things they thought impossible.
Bright Horizons has been recognised as a Great Place to Work by our employees and the Great Place to Work Institute for the last 13 years. We care passionately about what we do, and our HEART values and principles help us support one another in the work that we do each day.
We are passionate about our people’s ongoing learning and development. Our learning and leading with HEART framework supports each Bright Horizons colleague on the first steps of their leadership journey, whether that includes our 'World‑Class Welcome' induction or our extensive ongoing training programme. Either way we want you to feel valued and invested in!
Celebrating in the accomplishments of our people is an essential part of our culture. We believe in the power of “thank you” and throughout the year, in ways big and small, formal and informal, we show our appreciation for employees at all levels. We have many ways to acknowledge and celebrate our people, including our very popular “employee appreciation month”. This is a chance for everyone to share their gratitude to one another, across the whole company. Whether it is a “thank you” placed on our website, a chocolate pizza, team lunch or an ice cream van visit, it is our way of showing each other we care and appreciate everything we do.
Each year, we have our annual 'Awards of Excellence' events; whether you are an award winner or cheering on a fellow team member, these formal award occasions are opportunities to come together and celebrate one another.
If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, we look forward to receiving your application!
Early Years Kitchen Assistant in Colchester employer: MP Training and Recruitment
Bright Horizons Putney Day Nursery and Preschool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where you can thrive as a Room Leader. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including a welcome bonus and childcare discounts, and a commitment to child welfare, this nursery provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about early years education in the vibrant community of Putney, London.
Contact Details:
MP Training and Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Kitchen Assistant in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at MP Training and Recruitment and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Kitchen Assistant in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at MP Training and Recruitment that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at MP Training and Recruitment.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at MP Training and Recruitment get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at MP Training and Recruitment
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at MP Training and Recruitment and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
