Bright Horizons
Kitchen Assistant
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Kitchen Assistant
Early Years Kitchen Assistant – Wooldale Day Nursery & Preschool
About the Role
Are you looking to work for an organisation where your HEART principles (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Teamwork) drive everything? Where you can make a difference to the next generation while enjoying a supportive, inspiring culture?
Bright Horizons Wooldale Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join its skilled team in Wootton, Northampton (NN4). Our nursery is proudly Ofsted-rated ‘Good’, offers great transport links, and provides on-site parking.
The nursery operates Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm, with starting pay of £12.75 per hour.
The Benefits
- Childcare discount – 40% off for your first child
- Enhanced parental leave
- 20 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays & paid Christmas closure)
- Ability to purchase additional leave (subject to terms)
- Workplace pension & financial benefits
- Early access to wages
- 24/7 virtual GP appointments
- Wellbeing support
- Professional development – Access to a careers coach, tailored training, and a structured pathway for growth.
Bright Horizons have been recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for over a decade and promote continuous learning, transparency, and appreciation through initiatives like:
- ‘Employee Appreciation Month’ (team lunches, ice cream vans, thank-you notes, etc.)
- Annual Awards of Excellence celebrations
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Responsibilities
As a Bright Horizons Early Years Kitchen Assistant, you’ll:
- Support the Chef in preparing, cooking, and serving age-appropriate food for children while maintaining minimum food waste.
- Ensure the kitchen is clean, safe, and hygienic at all times.
- Take limited responsibility for kitchen operations in the Chef’s absence, including:
- Meeting dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, etc.)
- Clearly communicating food plans to the team.
- Work collaboratively with the nursery team to sustain a positive, child-focused environment.
Requirements
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working in cooking, either in a domestic or commercial setting.
- Has a strong passion for nutrition and inspiring others to eat healthily.
- Demonstrates a solid understanding of dietary requirements, particularly food allergies and safeguarding needs.
- Holds a valid CIEH Level 2 Food Safety certificate (or equivalent) – must be passed before starting.
- Shows sound knowledge of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
- Has excellent communication skills with:
- Colleagues
- Children
- Parents
- Works effectively under pressure and is proud of producing a job well done.
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Vital Practice and Policy
Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- All roles require enhanced DBS checks before confirmation.
- We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, with support for reasonable adjustments where needed.
- All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Bright Horizons Culture
We take pride in our enduring ‘Great Place to Work’ reputation, shaped by our cohesive HEART values and a culture built on:
- Continuous professional growth – Supported by the World-Class Welcome induction and expert leadership development.
- Collective appreciation – Celebrated through small gestures (ice cream vans, thank-you notes) and formal awards.
- World-class childcare – Delivered by a passionate and supported workforce.
At Bright Horizons, our people are our greatest strength. If you’re prepared to go beyond expectations and are proud of your contributions, we’d love to hear from you.
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