Job Description

Are you friendly, reliable, and enjoy working in a busy, child-focused environment? Do you have a genuine love of cooking and supporting early years' positive attitudes with food? Footprints Day Nursery are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team. We offer full day care for up to 104 children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years.

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, and in keeping the kitchen and dining room a clean and safe environment. In the absence of the Chef, you will take full responsibility for the running of the kitchen, and ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.

This is a full time position, 40hrs, working Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.15-6.00

Responsible to:

Nursery Chef Nursery Manager / Deputy

Duties and Responsibilities

To support the chef in the preparation and cooking of a healthy balanced diet for up to 104 children aged 0 to 5 years

To maintain hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen and dining area to our 5standard.
To support preparation and cooking of hot and cold meals, snacks and puddings with accordance to companies' menu

To contribute to the hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area, working with all the health and safety guidelines and legislation in accordance to Safer Food and Better Business.

To ensure high standard of cleanliness within the dining room Understand and follow appropriate risk assessments and record keeping linked to the kitchen environments. Develop a knowledge and understanding of budgeting and ordering, monitor and stock take foods. Following the company's relevant policies and procedures. Supporting room staff with meals times and helping to serve food, encouraging children to eat and always seek to improve the quality of service. To have a knowledge of food allergens and ensure safe food preparation of foods to meet all the dietary requirements of the children. To occasionally attend and cater for any out of working hours events and staff meetings. Planning and cooking seasonal, balanced meals for up to 104 children Catering for a variety of dietary needs with care and creativity Maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming kitchen environment Collaborating with the nursery team to make mealtimes fun and engaging To understand your responsibilities for child protection and safeguarding procedures and ensure they are always followed.
To undertake any further training and development needed to carry out the role, keep up to date with food standards, food hygiene training and have a good attitude to self-development and progression.

Support the education of children with activities around healthy eating, cooking activities etc. Inspiring children to explore new flavours and learn where food comes from

What we're looking for

A genuine love of cooking - especially healthy, home-style food for little ones Previous experience within a cooking role, in a nursery or care home 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 L2 or above (or equivalent) - this must be passed on day 1 in post Sound knowledge of COSHH Safeguarding training to be undertaken, online. Great communication skills, with colleagues and children Ability to work in a fast paced kitchen, working well under pressure
A genuine interest in working in a nursery environment

Good time management and exceptional organisational skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Understanding of basic food hygiene

Strong understanding of allergens, particularly food allergies and dietary requirements

To be able to follow policies and procedures

A friendly, positive attitude

Appointment to this role is subject to receipt of two satisfactory references, a full DBS check and the successful completion of Food Hygiene. Training and DBS time and costs will be covered by the company.

Ready to Join Us?

We'd love to hear from you! Send us your CV and a short cover letter telling us a bit about your cooking experience and why this role is a good fit for you.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Footprints Day Nursery are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two satisfactory references.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 9.00-13.00 per hour

Benefits:

Additional leave Employee discount Flexitime Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Experience:

Catering: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person