Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Department: Nursery Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Beckenham, London

Reporting To: Kristina Towndrow

Compensation: £26,437 / year

Description

We are looking for a friendly, forward thinking Kitchen Assistant to support our Chef in preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children and staff. The role involves cooking fresh, nutritious meals, meeting dietary requirements, and maintaining high food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with cooking fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals for the children and team daily.
• Ensure each meal meets the nutritional needs of different age groups and follows all food safety and choking guidelines.
• Support the Chef in preparing meals that cater to diverse dietary needs.
• Prepare daily lunches and smoothies for the nursery team.
• Help maintain kitchen paperwork and daily safety logs.
• Order supplies, manage stock, and keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Maintain the kitchen to a 5-star Food Hygiene standard.
• Build friendly, professional relationships with parents, ensuring confidence in food quality.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a commercial or nursery kitchen.
• Experience catering for a diverse range of dietary needs.
• A Food Preparation and Hygiene NVQ Level 2 or above. Level 3 will be completed during induction if not already held.
• A passion for food creativity and working with children and families.
• Interest in long term culinary career goals.
• Commitment to conscious food practices, including recycling and minimizing waste.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively during busy service times.
• A positive, glass half full outlook.
• Strong drive and motivation with a "make it happen" attitude.
• Customer service orientation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary - £26,437 per annum.
• Performance bonus - up to £750 annually.
• Industry leading holiday allowance - up to 35 days, including a personal "Me" day and Christmas closure.
• Development fund - £100 annual learning fund, plus paid N Academy training.
• Family friendly - enhanced parental/fostering/neonatal leave after 2 years.
• Childcare - 40% discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.
• Loyalty reward - 5 year bonus: around the world trip + 2 bonus weeks off. 10 year bonus: "Out of this world" experience + 2 more weeks off.
• Referral scheme - earn up to £1000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts - savings on groceries, shopping, fitness.
• Travel support - season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Socials & wellbeing - annual parties, team events, gym discounts, online fitness.