About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our team. This is a rewarding role that combines food preparation, mealtime support, and educational activities that help children develop a positive relationship with food. Working alongside our catering provider, Blue Diamond Catering, you will be responsible for preparing daily snacks and tea, supporting lunch service, and helping to deliver our exciting Canopy Cooks curriculum. This includes growing fruit and vegetables with children and teaching them about food origins, healthy eating, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Service
- Prepare and serve two healthy snacks and one tea each day for children.
- Ensure food is prepared and presented to a high standard.
- Support the service of lunchtime meals supplied by Blue Diamond Catering.
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness standards at all times.
- Complete daily kitchen cleaning duties and maintain kitchen records as required.
- Monitor food stock levels and inform management when supplies need replenishing.
Supporting Children's Learning
- Assist in delivering our Canopy Cooks curriculum.
- Support children in growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs within our garden areas.
- Help children learn where food comes from and how it is grown.
- Encourage healthy eating habits through engaging activities and discussions.
- Support cooking, baking, and food preparation experiences suitable for different age groups.
- Promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and respect for nature.
General Duties
- Work collaboratively with the staff to ensure children's dietary and nutritional needs are met.
- Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and food hygiene procedures.
- Support special events, celebrations, and seasonal cooking activities where required.
About You
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience working in a kitchen, catering, childcare, or educational environment.
- Hold, or be willing to obtain, a Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Have a passion for healthy food, gardening, and working with children.
- Be organised, dependable, and able to work independently.
- Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Enjoy creating positive learning experiences through food and cooking.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience preparing meals or snacks for children.
- Experience in gardening, growing produce, or outdoor learning activities.
- Experience working within an early years, nursery, school, or childcare setting.
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on children's understanding of food, nutrition, and sustainability.
- Involvement in an innovative curriculum that connects cooking, growing, and learning.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate references and an enhanced DBS check.
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
