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The Main Food Handler is responsible for carrying out the cook chill procedure and serving food for the children’s mid-day meal and preparation of the children’s snacks and tea. This includes general kitchen duties such as washing and clearing up after snacks and the lunchtime session along with the daily/weekly cleaning duties of the communal and kitchen areas.

The roles and responsibilities are communicated under 6 headings, the overarching purpose for each is outlined below:

Working with the Nursery Leadership Team to continuously improve, embed and practice outstanding care and education across the Nursery, ensuring this is of the highest quality for the children in our care. Support the nursery Leadership Team to provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for children and promote healthy eating and lifestyle within the outstanding educational programme/curriculum in line with the organisations vision, mission and values. Ensure the nutritional needs of the children are met and the Food Safety Regulations are complied with.

From time to time as directed by the Nursery Leadership Team support the nursery team within the homebase rooms following our outstanding educational programme/curriculum to ensure children are provided with the opportunity to meet their full potential in line with the organisations vision, mission and values and an enthusiasm for learning. All team members comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted registration and inspection criteria as lead by the Nursery Leadership Team. Establish and maintain relationships with the children, practicing the key person approach to facilitate their learning and practice high quality teaching and learning based on the children’s interests, maintaining an outstanding learning environment and resources that inspires children to learn taking into account diversity, promoting equality and inclusion. Ensuring all children are kept safe and Child Protection Procedures are followed.

Working within the team in a professional manner, demonstrating a positive attitude to deliver outstanding care and education, by supporting each other’s practice and striving to develop quality of teaching as a team. Share with the Nursery Leadership Team any concerns regarding practice or compliance with the organisations policies and procedures. Working together as a team to undertake any other duties that are reasonable and requested by the SEYE team or Managers. Demonstrating a commitment to CPD by actively participating in training opportunities and the Skills Development Programme. Actively reflecting on own performance on a regular basis, completing self-reviews and updating skills and objectives to ensure self-development positively impacts the quality of teaching and supports the delivery of outstanding care and education. Demonstrate reliability and enthusiasm within the team and work flexibly across the whole nursery.

Provide friendly and professional partnerships with all families, promoting a positive attitude and professional approach to achieve the best outcomes for children. Work closely with the Food and Nutrition Champion to disseminate information to parents around Food and Nutrition and healthy eating and lifestyles. Support the nursery team to positively promote the nursery to current parents, potential customers and the local community.

It is the responsibility of all team members to ensure the nursery environment is safe, clean and tidy and maintained to a high and professional standard. Taking responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and others, ensuring a high regard for the importance of the nursery environment, resources, safety and hygiene is well maintained. Maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen and toilet areas in line with the cleaning and maintenance procedure and ensure communal areas are clean and well maintained daily. Maintain accurate record keeping with regards to cleaning and food safety in line with organisations policies and procedures. To ensure stock rotation is managed and food stored correctly.

Work with the Nursery Leadership Team to order meals to meet the needs of the children, monitor stock control and portion sizes to minimise waste and communicate effectively with the Nursery Leadership Team when changes to ordering needs to be made. Consider the nurseries budget for food and cleaning supplies. Develop a positive partnership with the food supplier TPNK.

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness standards in the kitchen and rest of the nursery to meet Environmental Health Food Safety Regulations. With the Nursery Leadership Team actively participate at Environmental Health Inspections and contribute towards the implementation of any recommendations made by external bodies i.e. Ofsted, Environmental Health or internally through feedback or internal audit.

This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder is required to undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Nursery Leadership Team.

Seymour House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all team members and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced check is completed and regularly updated through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Seymour House actively promotes equal opportunities and are committed to equality and diversity for all our children and staff. Applicants will be considered on merit only, irrespective of race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief.

A copy of the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Disclosure Information Policy is available on request.

We have an exciting Lunch Assistant opportunity at our Outstanding Basildon Hospital Nursery, Basildon. Join our brilliant team, and make a real difference to the lives of young children.

No formal qualification required, just the desire to provide the very best care to young children. Hours are 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with the Nursery opening all year around except for Christmas.