Kitchen Assistant Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom Somerset Job type: Full Time Permanent Salary: £12.72 Hour Contracted Hours: 17.5 hours per week Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care. Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn. About the Role As a Nursery Kitchen Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the nursery cook with the preparation and serving of nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 0-5. You will assist with various kitchen duties to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and food safety are maintained. About the Nursery Tops Mini Mariners Nursery is a 36-place eco-friendly day nursery and preschool in Taunton, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our open-plan, natural learning environment supports children to explore, play, and develop at their own pace. Our passionate team creates engaging, sensory-rich activities that encourage imagination and learning through play. We also explore themed learning and a monthly “language of the month,” helping children discover different cultures, countries, and foods from around the world. Activities includes cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, and tooth brushing, supporting a fun, inclusive, and curiosity-led approach to learning. Why You’ll Love Working with Us At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family. Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more) Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day! What does the role involve? Assisting with the preparation and cooking of meals and snacks, following a set menu. Helping to prepare fresh ingredients, ensuring they are properly cleaned and stored. Serving food to children, ensuring appropriate portion sizes. Washing up and cleaning kitchen equipment, utensils, and surfaces to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Ensuring compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations at all times. Supporting the cook in accommodating children’s dietary needs and allergies. What are we looking for? Experience in a kitchen environment (experience in a nursery, school, or similar setting is a plus). A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or willingness to obtain one). Good communication and teamwork skills. The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. A passion for preparing healthy, nutritious meals for young children. A good understanding of food hygiene, safety, and health regulations. Important Safeguarding Information Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must: Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost. Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List. Successfully complete background and reference checks. At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Apply Now Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries