Job Title: Nursery Cook/Chef

Location: Berkhamsted HP4 (with potential travel to other settings)

Reports to: Nursery Manager

Salary: £ 27,040.00 PA

About Our Client:

Our client is a respected and growing nursery group, dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education. They are currently seeking a talented Nursery Cook/Chef to manage their nursery kitchen and ensure the delivery of nutritious, balanced meals for children. This role offers a variety of benefits and opportunities for professional growth within the company.

Benefits and Opportunities:

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 opportunities

Potential to gain further qualifications

Company Bonus Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

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

Opportunity to purchase additional holiday

Paid time off for dependents

Discounts and savings at over 1,500 retailers through PerkPal

Monthly staff recognition scheme

Annual Christmas party for all staff

Role Purpose:

To manage all aspects of the nursery kitchen to the highest standards, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements. You will plan, organise, cook, and prepare a healthy, balanced diet for all children, and engage with them in cooking and food activities.

Key Accountabilities:

Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance.

Adhere to nursery policies and procedures.

Order and manage supplies within budget, ensuring proper storage and temperature maintenance.

Coordinate the preparation and serving of meals (breakfast, lunch, tea, and snacks), catering to allergies, dietary requirements, and cultural needs.

Be aware of and cater to special dietary needs, ensuring food is correctly labelled for individual requirements.

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

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

Complete risk assessments, checks, and relevant documentation.

Handle emergencies effectively, completing and submitting necessary paperwork.

Ensure security systems are operational and report any issues to the manager.

Work with the Nursery Manager to uphold Health and Safety standards.

Provide appropriate training for cover staff and stay updated with food industry regulations.

Participate in performance reviews, supervisions, and training opportunities.

Person Specification:

Essential:

Experience in catering

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Knowledge of food preparation for special dietary needs and allergies

Awareness of health and safety issues

Ability to work under pressure in an organised manner

Desirable:

A recognised Catering Qualification

Experience in a childcare environment

First Aid Certificate

Safeguarding and Equality Statement:

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants invited to interview will need to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK, complete a suitability declaration, and undergo an enhanced DBS check. They will also need to provide two satisfactory references and, if applicable, a certificate of good conduct for time spent outside the UK in the last five years.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. They follow safe recruitment procedures and take safeguarding seriously.

If you are passionate about providing nutritious meals in a nurturing environment and meet the criteria outlined, we invite you to apply for this rewarding role.