Can you be our Nutrition Champion?
Do you have a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals that children love? Are you organised, enthusiastic, and looking for a role where you can make a real difference every day? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
About Us
Explorers Day Nursery is a purpose-built, welcoming, and nurturing nursery conveniently located just off the M271 in Nursling, making it an ideal location for those living locally or commuting from Southampton and the surrounding areas.
We are passionate about giving children the very best start in life by providing a safe, caring, and inspiring environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Every day is filled with opportunities for children to explore, build confidence, develop friendships, and enjoy exciting experiences through play.
We believe that healthy, nutritious food plays a vital role in children's wellbeing, development, and learning, which is why our kitchen is at the heart of everything we do.
The Role
We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic Nursery Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team. Working alongside our experienced Nursery Cook, you'll help prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks that children enjoy while ensuring our kitchen remains organised, safe, and welcoming.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys cooking, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and wants to play an important part in supporting children's health and wellbeing.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation and cooking of fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals and snacks to a consistently high standard.
- Supporting the day-to-day organisation of the kitchen, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Helping to provide delicious meals that meet every child's individual dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural needs.
- Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen safety, ensuring full compliance with all Health & Safety legislation and Safer Food, Better Business requirements.
- Working closely with the Nursery Cook and nursery team to create positive mealtime experiences for every child.
Hours:
- 20 hours over 5 days (Monday - Friday)
- 12.30pm - 4.30pm shifts each day
Pattern: All-year-round (term-time positions not available)
Our Values
At Explorers Day Nursery, our values guide everything we do:
- Enthusiasm – bringing energy, joy, and positivity to everything we do
- Professionalism – maintaining high standards in care and learning
- Achievement – supporting children and staff reach their full potential
- Belonging – creating and nurturing a true sense of family and inclusion
- Recognition – celebrating and rewarding all successes, big and small
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
We care about our staff as much as we care about our children. When you join Explorers Day Nursery, you’ll enjoy:
- 30% childcare discount (rising to 50% after 2 years continuous service).
- Enhanced holiday entitlement with long service.
- Festive closure over Christmas period.
- On-hand wellbeing support, including internal Mental Health First Aiders and a free 24/7 counselling service.
- Annual pay reviews and additional increases for long-serving staff members.
- Regular fun social events, and team-building activities.
- Workplace pension.
- Staff uniform provided (alternative lightweight summer tops included!).
- Staff room refreshments including tea, coffee, squash, and sweet treats.
- Seasonal chocolate treats at Easter and Christmas!
- Ample support and opportunities to progress your career including further qualifications and training.
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus Scheme
Next Steps
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to hear from you! Give us a call on 02380 731448 to have a friendly, informal chat with the Nursery Manager.
Important Information
- An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required prior to commencing employment.
- Explorers Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Due to the nature of the role, it is exempt from the provision of the Section 4.2 of The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, candidates must disclose any pending charges, convictions, bind overs, or cautions as required by law. Applications are not entitled to withhold information about conviction which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the act. Failure to disclose may result in dismissal or termination of the offer of employment.
Discover more about us at www.littleshipmates.com.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £13.10 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience in catering for large numbers/quantities?
Experience:
- Catering: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
