Kitchen Assistant (Bank) – Care Home

About the role

We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join our award‑winning team at Purley Gardens Care Home. In this bank (on‑call) position you will support the catering function, helping to prepare meals and maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment for our residents.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals and beverages following safe food‑handling standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen, equipment and work surfaces.
• Monitor stock levels, advise on supply quality and help with ordering replacement items.
• Support colleagues in a team‑oriented manner and follow reasonable work instructions promptly.
• Respect the dignity and individuality of residents and their visitors at all times.

Required profile

• Hold a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and demonstrate high personal hygiene standards.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety, including Moving and Handling, Fire Safety and COSHH assessments.
• Ability to sustain a high level of physical effort and manage a demanding workload.
• Positive, flexible attitude with strong initiative and team‑working skills.
• Caring and understanding approach towards residents.

Required skills

• Food Hygiene
• Health and Safety
• Moving and Handling
• Fire Safety
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

What we offer

• Shift patterns: 07:00‑15:00 or 12:00‑20:00.
• Supportive, respectful workplace culture focused on resident care.
• Opportunities for learning and development within a large care‑home provider.