Kitchen Assistant

N Family Club; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early-years education provider located in Cambridge is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Assistant. This role involves supporting the chef to prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals while catering to various dietary requirements. Applicants should have relevant kitchen experience and a passion for food and customer service. The position offers a competitive salary of £26,437 and benefits including a performance bonus, enhanced leave, and a development fund. Join us in shaping young minds through exceptional meals and support.

Benefits

Performance bonus

Industry-leading holiday allowance

Childcare discounts

Loyalty rewards

Referral scheme

Travel support

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a commercial or nursery kitchen is expected.
• Experience in catering for families with diverse dietary needs.
• The ability to work quickly and effectively during busy times.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cooking meals for children and staff.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional needs and comply with safety guidelines.
• Manage kitchen paperwork and orders.

Skills

Cooking fresh meals

Catering to dietary needs

Customer service

Food hygiene knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Preparation and Hygiene NVQ Level 2 or above

Job description

Kitchen Assistant

Department: Nursery Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Reporting To: Clare Grave

Compensation: £26,437 / year

Description

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early‑years education provider.

At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum‑led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

As a Kitchen Assistant at N Family, you’ll be cooking up a storm every day – supporting our Chef to prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children, as well as a lunch and a smoothie for our hard‑working nursery team. We’re looking for a friendly, forward‑thinking Kitchen Assistant who can support our Chef to create a menu that keeps everyone happy and healthy. With your dedication and passion, you’ll make your mark and help us become the most loved early years education group in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cooking fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals for the children and team every day.
• Make sure each meal meets the nutritional needs of different age groups and follows all food safety and choking guidelines.
• Support the Chef to cater to different dietary needs for all ages.
• Prepare daily lunches and smoothies for the nursery team, catering to a variety of diets and preferences.
• Keep on top of kitchen paperwork and checks, including cleaning schedules and daily safety logs.
• Order supplies, manage stock, and make sure the kitchen runs smoothly.
• Maintain the kitchen to a 5-star Food Hygiene standard.
• Build friendly, professional relationships with parents so they feel confident about the food their children eat.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or a nursery kitchen.
• Experience in catering for a diverse range of dietary needs.
• A Food Preparation and Hygiene NVQ Level 2 or above (you’ll need to complete a Level 3 during induction if not already held).
• A passion for food creativity and a love for working with children and families.
• A genuine interest in cooking with long‑term culinary career goals.
• A willingness to adopt conscious practices within food and cooking, including recycling and creating as little food waste as possible.
• The ability to work quickly and effectively during busy service times.
• A positive, glass‑half‑full outlook.
• Bags of drive and motivation with a ‘make it happen’ attitude!
• A love for customer service.

The N Advantage package

• Competitive salary – £26,437 per annum
• Performance bonus – Up to £750 annually.
• Industry‑leading holiday allowance – Up to 35 days, including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
• Development fund – £100 annual learning fund, plus paid N Academy training (level 3, EY Degrees, Forest School & more).
• Family‑friendly – Enhanced parental/fostering/neonatal leave after 2 years.
• Childcare – 40% discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.

Additional Perks

• Loyalty rewards – 5‑year bonus: around‑the‑world trip + 2 bonus weeks off. 10‑year bonus: “Out of this world” experience + 2 more weeks off!
• Referral scheme – Earn up to £1000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts – Save on groceries, shopping, fitness, and more.
• Travel support – Season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Socials & Wellbeing – Annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness.
• And much, much more!

Why N Cambridge?

This position is Monday to Friday 40 hours per week 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Join our fantastic team at this charming 82‑place nursery nestled in the heart of historic Cambridge.

Getting here is a breeze! With buses 19 and 114 stopping right outside, and Cambridge train station just a 15‑minute stroll away.

Why N Family Club?

At N Family Club, we’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups. With top salaries, unmatched benefits, and real career progression, we put our people first.

Join us today

to spark big ideas in young minds and shape a career you’ll love.

What's next?

If you think you got what it takes, click apply and fill in our super quick (1 min) application form!

If you want to read more about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.