Kitchen Assistant - Bromsgrove

Kitchen Assistant

Shooting Stars Nursery, Bromsgrove, B61 0AE

We are looking for a reliable and experienced Kitchen Assistant to support our Nursery Cook in the preparation and service of nutritious, balanced meals for children aged 0 to 5 yrs attending our nursery. The successful candidate will also assist with housekeeping duties to help maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment throughout the setting.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience working in a commercial kitchen who enjoys working as part of a team and understands the importance of food hygiene, nutrition and cleanliness within a childcare environment.

Working Hours

• 25 hours per week
• Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00am – 2:00pm
• The nursery operates all year round and is closed on Bank Holidays.

Salary

• Up to £12.21 per hour, dependent on age.

Essential RequirementsPrevious experience working in a professional/commercial kitchen is essential.

We are seeking candidates who are confident working within a busy kitchen environment and have a good understanding of food hygiene, cleaning standards, stock control and safe food preparation practices.

Desirable Experience

Experience working within any of the following settings would be highly advantageous:

• Day nursery
• School
• Care home
• Hospital or healthcare environment

Additional Opportunity

As part of this role, we are particularly interested in candidates who would feel confident and comfortable providing cover for the Nursery Cook during periods of annual leave, absence or training. Whilst full support and handover would be provided, the ability to step into the cook's role when required would be a significant advantage.

Key ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation and Service

• Support the Nursery Cook in planning, preparing and serving a balanced, nutritious and varied menu for children.
• Assist in meeting children's nutritional needs while following current healthy eating guidance and government initiatives.
• Prepare food safely and in accordance with Food Safety Regulations and company procedures.
• Support special dietary requirements, allergies and individual nutritional needs as directed by the Nursery Cook.

Food Safety and Kitchen Operations

• Follow Shooting Stars Nurseries' Food Safety Policies and Procedures at all times.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Assist with stock control, stock rotation and the checking, unpacking and storage of deliveries.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is cleaned and maintained appropriately.
• Support the smooth day-to-day operation of the nursery kitchen.

Health and Safety

• Carry out routine health and safety checks and support risk assessment procedures.
• Adhere to all food hygiene, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe kitchen environment, including the prompt disposal of waste.
• Ensure all cleaning schedules are completed to a high standard.

Housekeeping Duties

• Support the wider nursery team with housekeeping duties as required.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment throughout the setting.

General Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by management.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Promote and uphold the company's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the smooth running of the nursery.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Previous commercial kitchen experience is essential.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to work effectively within a busy kitchen environment.
• Reliable, organised and able to manage workload efficiently.
• Flexible and willing to support the Nursery Cook and wider nursery team.
• Comfortable stepping up to cover the Nursery Cook role when required.
• Experience within a nursery, school, care home or hospital environment is highly desirable.

Safeguarding Commitment

Shooting Stars Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care, and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

All posts involve working within a childcare environment and are therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare any convictions, including those considered 'spent', and all successful candidates will be subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

If you have commercial kitchen experience, take pride in maintaining high standards, and are confident supporting or covering a cook role when required, we would love to hear from you.

Posted via: eyrecruit