Kitchen Assistant Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset Job type: Part Time Permanent Salary: £12.22 Hour Contracted Hours: 20 hours per week (Monday to Friday 10:00-14:00 inc bank holidays) Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us. We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024). 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 Poole Nursery is a 132 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Poole. The nursery run several extra-curricular activities including before and after school clubs, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and much more! 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 INDLP