Nursery Housekeeper/Kitchen Assistant in Wellingborough

About role

Keeping the nursery organised, clean and safe is no small task, which is why the role of Housekeeper is so important. The variety of housekeeping tasks and cleaning you carry out will help to support daily routines and maintain high standards, and will ensure everyone can enjoy a clean, safe, organised and welcoming environment. This means you’ll have a direct impact on the children, their parents/carers, visitors and all the staff team.

We are looking for someone with a caring nature, personable approach and good practical skills. Just as importantly, you should be reliable and keen to use your attention to detail to make a positive difference. In return we'll provide all the training you need to thrive.

As part of the Kitchen Assistant role, you will assist and support the Nursery Chef/Cook in day-to-day catering duties, providing the nursery children with balanced, healthy and nutritious meals, and to adhere to Health and Safety policy and procedure at all times, observing cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen.

We offer the following benefits and opportunities within our established nursery group:

• A competitive salary package, including pension and occupational sick pay
• 50% staff discount on childcare places
• 25% childcare discount for one family member too!
• Birthday day off or Christmas shopping day
• Inspiring training and career development with a growing company
• Opportunity to gain further qualifications
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Increasing annual leave with each complete year of service up to a maximum of 33 days (including Bank/Public Holidays)
• Opportunity to purchase additional Holiday
• Paid time off for dependents
• Discount and savings at over 1,500 retailers through PerkPal
• Monthly staff recognition scheme
• Annual Christmas party for all Toad Hall Staff

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• To support with the up-keep of maintenance in conjunction with the nursery manager.
• To organise a cleaning schedule in line with the nursery’s daily routines.
• To keep all areas of the nursery clean, tidy and hygienic, including the entrance, corridors, laundry room, children’s rooms, milk kitchen, toilet areas, staff room and office.
• To clean and disinfect sinks, basins, countertops, toilets, mirrors, windows, doors and floors.
• To sweep, vacuum and mop floors and dust surfaces and furniture.
• Clean spillages, accidents and general dirt in a timely manner using the correct chemicals and equipment.
• To manage and organise the laundry to ensure fresh bedding is provided daily to the required rooms.
• To manage the stock control of consumables, e.g., replenishing soap, paper towels, toilet rolls.
• To manage and put away cleaning material deliveries in their allocated locations.
• To collect and empty all waste, rubbish and recyclables in the appropriate disposal area.

• To have clean uniform daily, with suitable footwear.
• Adhere to the nursery’s policies and procedures with regards to the health, safety and welfare of self and others whilst on site.
• To be aware of and act within the guidelines of Toad Hall Nursery’s risk assessments/procedures.
• Adhere to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
• To ensure all cleaning and laundry products delivered are quickly unpacked and stored safely and securely in the designated storage cupboard/s at the nursery.
• To ensure the nursery is left in a safe and secure way at the end of your shift, ensuring all hazards have been removed and cleaning storage and laundry doors secured.

• Support the Nursery Chef/Cook with the preparation and cooking of nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance.
• Understand and comply with nursery policies and procedures.
• To be aware of Special Dietary Needs - referring to food allergies, food intolerances, cultural and religious needs, vegetarian requirements and any other, according to the Special Dietary Needs form in the kitchen.
• Ensure all children with individual dietary requirements are catered for and their food is clearly labelled so the children are served the correct food at all times.
• To follow standard food hygiene procedures e.g. food temperature checks and monitoring (recording this daily) and infection/cross contamination control procedures.
• To ensure that equipment and materials (including the dishwasher, microwave, oven, fridge and freezer) are cleaned and everything is cleared away leaving the kitchen neat and tidy at the end of the day in line with the daily and weekly cleaning checklist.
• To receive and unload food and deliveries and store food correctly. Comply with stock rotation and ensure the correct food temperature is maintained.
• To have sound knowledge of and adhere to Health and Safety legislation, fire regulations and all policies and procedures.
• Manage the kitchen in the Chef/Cook’s absence including the completion of the daily and weekly checks and corresponding records and documentation.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

Essential skills and experience:

• Interact in a friendly manner with children, parents, staff and visitors at all times
• Ability to use own initiative and prioritise workload
• Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible approach
• Good organisational skills
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to undertake training in line with the role and responsibilities
• Punctuality and reliability
• To maintain confidentiality and not to disclose information about children, parents and staff