Early Years Kitchen Assistant

BHUK Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited UK

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Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9AA Until 9/27/2026 First posted May 11, 2026 Last posted July 29, 2026
Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Burgess Hill Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – Starting from £12.75 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours - Part time 20 hours per week over 5 days

Location – Burgess Hill

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to join our Bright Horizons Burgess Hill nursery. The nursery is situated close to town with great travel links.

Our Benefits

  • Childcare discount of 40% for first child*
  • Enhanced parental leave
  • 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
  • Pension
  • Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
  • Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As an Early Years Kitchen Assistant, you will support the Chef in the preparation and cooking of age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage, and in keeping the kitchen a clean and safe environment. In the absence of the Chef, you will take responsibility for the running of the kitchen, and ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.

What we’re looking for

  • Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
  • Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
  • Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
  • Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
  • Sound knowledge of COSHH
  • Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
  • Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.


We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.


Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!


We look forward to receiving your application!

About this role

Summary

Support kitchen operations, prepare meals, and ensure safety for children in nursery.

Job title

Early Years Kitchen Assistant

Experience level

none

Industry

childcare

Location requirements

Burgess Hill, UK; no remote work allowed

Salary

Starting from £12.75 per hour

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

food safety cieh l2 or abovecoshhcommunication

Preferred skills

passion for nutritionhandling food allergies

Specializations

food preparationnutritional supportdietary requirementsfood safetycatering
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Burgess Hill, UK

On-site City