Are you looking for a nursery where teamwork truly matters? A place where everyone supports each other, where qualified professionals work together to provide the very best care for children?
At Orchard Lea Nursery & Preschool, we believe that great nurseries are built by great teams. If you are passionate about childcare and want to work in a friendly, supportive, and inspiring environment, we would love to hear from you.
We are a family-run childcare provider with two well-established nurseries in the Bristol area:
- Kingswood (BS15)
- Keynsham (BS31)
Our settings care for children aged 6 months to school age, offering fantastic indoor and outdoor learning environments where children can thrive.
Most importantly, we are passionate about giving every child the best possible start in life — and that starts with having the right people in our team.
Our Team
Our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on building a positive, supportive working environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
At Orchard Lea you’ll be part of a dedicated team of early years professionals who share a passion for delivering outstanding childcare while supporting one another every day.
The Role
We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly people to join Orchard Lea Nursery in Kingswood (BS31) to provide Lunch Time Support. The candidate should be happy to work as a key member of our team and yet be motivated and able to work on their own at times using their initiative.
In line with our recruitment policy, any successful applicant is expected to provide satisfactory references and submit a DBS application. They are also expected to complete some online learning such as “Safe Food Handling”, “Health and Safety” and “Prevent Duty” as well as other relevant training.
The Lunchtime Support role is varied. We have compiled a list of responsibilities to give a greater understanding of the role. This is not an exhaustive list and, as with most jobs, things can evolve and change.
The role can be developed should the candidate wish to include more responsibility and, subject to certain criteria, could include progression on to formal training.
Hours offered:
We are looking for candidates to cover shifts of Monday to Friday 11:45am - 14:15pm. We would be looking for candidates to share this role to work 2-3 shifts per week each.
The Nursery is open all year round, this is not a term time only role.
The role has the following responsibilities:
- To contribute towards and maintain our 5 Star Food Hygiene rating accessing any training that supports this.
- To support our staff team during this busy time ensuring that the lunch runs smoothly and that the following is achieved:
- Rooms and children are ready and set up for lunch time service ensuring that the staff team and kitchen assistant are supported.
- Tasks will include - tidying the area in preparation, setting up chairs and tables, ensuring all necessary equipment is available e.g. bibs, cutlery, cleaning equipment etc.
- Ensuring that adequate and appropriate quantities of food and correct dietary requirements are offered to our children using our dietary checklist procedure.
- Supporting our children whilst eating and drinking encouraging good eating habits with age appropriate behaviour as to the guidelines of the setting. This could include helping and encouraging babies to eat/ weaning, through to sitting and eating dinner with our preschool children encouraging/supporting eating with appropriate levels of conversation.
- Helping to clean away after lunch time: to include tasks such as wiping down tables and chairs, sweeping and washing the areas were lunch has been held. Taking used equipment to kitchen area. Supporting kitchen staff with loading of dishwasher and recycling if needed.
- To support the team with transfer of children from the lunch area to their next steps. This could include toilet routine/changing nappies, sleep time or outside play. To remain with staff to assist until all staff have returned from their lunch time.
- To ensure food and hard goods storage areas are kept clean and tidy.
- To ensure food is stored appropriately and date rotated.
- To complete a Food Hygiene Certificate, costs to be met by Orchard Lea Nursery.
- To complete a Paediatric First Aid Certificate which is offered " in house" and cost met by Orchard Lea.
- An opportunity to complete additional training as identified.
- To support the nursery with its green policies of recycling.
- To contribute to the safety and wellbeing of all those persons that use Orchard Lea Nursery, whether an adult, child, member of staff or visitors.
The Candidate
We are looking for a motivated individual who enjoys the company of and communicating with children. The ideal candidate must be a team player and enthusiastic about supporting children. We do not require the candidate to have any formal childcare qualifications for this role. Orchard Lea will provide any training appropriate to the role.
Staff Benefits:
- Being part of a friendly and supportive team, where every day is different
- Recruitment bonus – up to £1,000 after successful probation
- Flexible working options to support work/life balance
- Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with service up to 7 weeks per year (including bank holidays)
- Paid overtime and travel when visiting our other nursery
- Staff uniform provided, plus a uniform allowance paid twice a year
- Excellent staff facilities to relax during breaks
- Confidential support available 24/7, 365 days a year
- 30% staff discount on childcare
- Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for out-of-hours training
- Pension scheme
- Team building activities and social events throughout the year
- Nursery closed between Christmas and New Year, as well as all bank holidays
We hope the above explains most of the role as advertised. Naturally on the job training and mentoring will be provided. As with many jobs they continue to evolve with time and can develop with your input.
Please visit our website for more information www.orchardleachildcare.co.uk/careers
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
