About the Role
Sick of working evenings, weekends, bank holidays and Christmas? All the best bits working in a catering environment without the bad bits- plus the best food critics you could ask for– read more below…
About Us:
Oaklea House Day Nursery is a family run Day Nursery located in the heart of Hook. We are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and provide care for up to 110 children a day aged between 3months- 4 years.
At Oaklea House, we have a passion for wholesome, nourishing and delicious food that fuels busy nursery days and inquisitive little minds. Our passion for food is reflected in our 5* Environmental Health food rating and Award of Excellence which we have held for many years.
Our kitchen is the hub of the nursery and a wonderful environment to work in.
The Role:
Our kitchen is the hub of the nursery and a wonderful environment to work in.
Due to upcoming maternity leave from August 2026, we are looking for a kind individual to join our team as Kitchen Assistant to support our Chef with kitchen clean up and some meal prep between the hours of 10-3 Monday to Friday (25 hours) year round.
A lovely role, you will be required to assist with the smooth running of the kitchen during our busiest hours. This will include helping deliver meals to each nursery room, using the dishwasher to wash up plates and utensils, maintain high standards of hygiene and to support with simple prep for meals later in the day.
For an advanced candidate, there is the opportunity to don your whites and support in the full cooking and coverage of the kitchen during our Chef’s annual leave periods. This would be confirmed in advance and we have a menu to follow for ease.
A valid food hygiene certificate and allergy awareness training would be ideal, but can be provided. Any offers of employment are subject to DBS and reference checks.
Whether you are starting out in your catering career, or are looking for a more relaxed part time role, this is a great role.
Our Food:
We take pride in providing fresh and interesting home-cooked meals and accommodating a variety of allergies, intolerances and cultural/ personal preferences. Our 4 week rolling menu provides a two-course lunch, hot tea with tasty side dish as well as 2 snacks throughout the day. You will also be required to put on picnic teas, party food and a Christmas Lunch for our events throughout the year. We are also well known for our love of International Days which give you the freedom to create exotic dishes to honour the different backgrounds that we have at nursery.
Ready to Apply?
Are we Right for You?
What skills do I need?:
The successful candidate will be competent, passionate about food prep, supporting a busy kitchen and being able to maintain high levels of hygiene within the kitchen.
This role ideally requires the candidate to have a valid Food Hygiene Certificate, Allergen Awareness training and experience of prep and cooking for young children and babies. Care home experience has always been welcomed too and greatly compliments the skills needed for this role. Experience of managing an Environmental Health Inspection would be beneficial.
This position is Monday- Friday, 10am-3pm. We are open 51 weeks of the year. We do not work weekends, bank holidays, evenings or over Christmas.
In return, we provide beautiful settings to work in, a large and well-equipped commercial kitchen, a welcoming team and a formal benefits package that supports you mentally, physically, financially (childcare discount available too) and other additions that add a little sparkle to everyday life.
We look forward to hearing how your passion for food developed and how we can continue our love of good food and early years education with your skills.
Job Types: Part time
Pay: £12.71 per hour
