Kitchen assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Join Our Outstanding and Award-Winning Team at Treehouse Nursery Schools, Treehouse Breakfast and After School Club, Wanstead!

Treehouse Nursery School in East London is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a passionate and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join our outstanding nursery team. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting Nursery committed to fostering children's personal, emotional, and social development, we are seeking a dedicated individual who shares our values and vision.

At Treehouse, we are proud to be a Rights Respecting Nursery School, embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into every aspect of our practice. We actively nurture children's understanding of their rights, ensuring they feel valued, listened to, and empowered within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

About the Role

• Prepare and serve healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with nursery policies and dietary requirements.
• Support the planning and preparation of age-appropriate menus that promote healthy eating habits.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety within the kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations, allergy awareness, and health and safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the nursery team to support children's wellbeing and daily routines.
• Monitor kitchen stock, support ordering processes, and ensure food storage procedures are followed correctly.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues within a warm and inclusive nursery environment.
• Participate in training and reflective practice, contributing to the continuous improvement of our provision.

Why Join Treehouse Nursery School?

This role is more than a job - it is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's health, wellbeing, and daily experiences. You will join a growing organisation with ambitious goals and a compassionate ethos, where staff are supported, valued, and encouraged to develop professionally.

The nursery is conveniently located just moments from Wanstead Station (Central Line), with multiple bus routes stopping directly outside for easy commuting.

Who We're Looking For

• Previous catering or kitchen experience, ideally within a nursery, school, care, or hospitality setting.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and allergy awareness procedures.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 preferred or willingness to obtain).
• A genuine passion for preparing nutritious meals for young children.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
• A positive attitude, reliability, and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to supporting children's wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Salary: £27,040 per annum
• Hours: Full Time - 8 hours per day
• A collaborative and inspiring work environment.
• A CPD programme and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.
• An opportunity to work alongside motivated and passionate colleagues in a positive, purposeful, and ambitious nursery setting.
• Access to leadership mentoring programmes tailored for aspiring staff taking on leadership roles.
• Holiday allowance of 33 days. We also pay you 3 additional days when the nursery is closed during Christmas and New Year.
• Day off on your Birthday Leave.
• Access to a dedicated employee wellbeing committee and an active employee forum with assigned representatives.
• 24/7/365 Confidential Counselling Helpline - freephone support available anytime, day or night.
• Medical Information & Guidance.
• Legal & Financial Information Support.
• Family Coverage Included.
• Critical Incident Support.
• Online Help & Expert Advice.
• 1-to-1 Financial Coaching.
• Occupational Health Support.
• Virtual GP Access.
• Wisdom Wellbeing App + 1,000+ Discounts.
• Day 1 Stress Intervention.
• Manager Support & Consultancy.
• Eldercare & Childcare Support.
• Life & Leadership Coaching.
• Up to 10 Counselling Sessions Per Issue, Per Year.
• Attend networking dinners and charity events.
• Be part of a vibrant social calendar designed to foster team spirit and community.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Treehouse Nursery Schools is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are passionate about preparing nutritious meals and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking, and values-driven full-time team, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue nurturing confident, compassionate, and curious young learners.