Nursery Kitchen Assistant

Job role

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary at our BRAND NEW nursery (opened in May 2026). Role: Kitchen Assistant Preparing meals for up to 124 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old. Location: Garsington Road Day Nursery Cowley, Oxford OX4 2DQ. Contract: Permanent; to start in September/October .5 hours/week 52 weeks/year. Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30. Salary: £25,096.50 per annum (pro rata) £12.87 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a range of meals from a set-menu using fresh ingredients.
• Maintain 5 star hygiene standards within the kitchen, following COSHH, allergens and manual handling guidelines.
• Build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents while promoting healthy eating.
• Take full responsibility for all food preparation and cooking tasks in the absence of the cook.
• Monitor the well being and dietary needs of each child to ensure they are met.

Qualifications

• Professional catering experience enabling contribution towards meal preparation.
• Knowledge of COSHH, allergens and manual handling.
• Experience working in a professional kitchen environment.
• Advocacy for safeguarding child well being.
• A collaborative attitude when working with the Nursery Cook.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid per annum (pro rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Up to 20 additional paid days per year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive (tax free).
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
• Exclusive partner benefits: long service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will writing service.
• Career development: team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.

About the employer

We are employee owned: every colleague is a partner with a voice, helping drive our success; when we do well, each receives an annual tax free dividend.

EEO & disability statement

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We're committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.

Recruitment & background checks

Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.