Job Title: Nursery Cook/Chef

Reports to: Nursery Manager

Location: Chessington (KT9)

Salary Banding: £24,960.00 – £28,496.00 per annum

Our client is seeking a dedicated Nursery Cook/Chef to join their team. The role involves managing all aspects of the nursery kitchen to the highest standards, in line with legislation requirements, and supporting other locations as needed.

Role Purpose

To plan, organize, cook, and prepare a healthy balanced diet for all children.

To ensure that all food hygiene procedures and kitchen duties follow environmental health guidelines.

To engage with children through cooking and food activities.

Benefits

A competitive salary package, including pension and occupational sick pay

50% staff discount on childcare places

25% childcare discount for one family member

Birthday day off or Christmas shopping day

Inspiring training and career development with a growing company

Opportunity to gain further qualifications

Company Bonus Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Increasing annual leave with each complete year of service up to a maximum of 33 days (including Bank/Public Holidays)

Opportunity to purchase additional holiday

Paid time off for dependants

Discounts and savings at over 1,500 locations through PerkPal

Monthly staff recognition scheme

Annual Christmas party for all staff

Salary Banding: £24,960.00 – £28,496.00 per annum

Key Accountabilities

Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance.

Understand and comply with nursery policies and procedures.

Order adequate supplies within the agreed budget, manage deliveries, and ensure correct food storage.

Coordinate the preparation and serving of meals and snacks, ensuring a varied diet considering allergies, dietary, cultural, and religious needs.

Cater to individual dietary requirements with clearly labelled food.

Follow standard food hygiene procedures, including daily food temperature checks and infection control.

Ensure high levels of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, following a cleaning rota.

Complete kitchen risk assessments and maintain daily and weekly records.

Have knowledge of emergency procedures and complete relevant paperwork.

Ensure security systems are operational and access is restricted to authorised personnel.

In conjunction with the Nursery Manager, manage Health and Safety responsibilities.

Keep updated with food-related issues affecting the catering industry, ensuring compliance with current legislation and good practice.

Provide training to cover staff to maintain high kitchen standards in your absence.

Participate in performance reviews, supervisions, inductions, and training opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential

Catering experience

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Knowledge and experience of food preparation for special dietary needs and allergies

Knowledge of health and safety issues

Capable of working under pressure in an organised manner

Desirable

Recognised Catering Qualification

Experience working in a childcare environment

First Aid Certificate

If you are passionate about providing nutritious meals for children and maintaining high standards in a nursery kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you!