Bank Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons UK; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Years Chef to join their team in North London. This role offers the unique opportunity to blend flexible bank work with the security of employment, allowing you to cater to the nutritional needs of children while fostering a safe and engaging kitchen environment. You'll be responsible for preparing age-appropriate meals, ensuring dietary requirements are met, and actively participating in nursery activities. Join a company that values honesty, excellence, and teamwork, and be part of a community that has been recognized as a great place to work for over a decade.

Benefits

Above industry standard salary

Annual salary reviews

Smart Health access

Discounts across high street brands

Development programme access

Employee Appreciation events

Paid volunteer day annually

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking in domestic or commercial settings is essential.
• Must possess Food Safety CIEH L2 or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present nutritious meals for children with minimal waste.
• Ensure dietary requirements are met and communicated effectively.

Skills

Cooking in domestic or commercial property

Nutrition

Food Safety (CIEH L2 or above)

Knowledge of COSHH

Managing dietary requirements

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Role: Bank Early Years Chef

Salary: Starting from £14.74 per hour (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours: Flexible working

Location: North London

We are looking for an Early Years Chef, to support our nurseries across North London including Muswell Hill, Finchley, Whetstone, Hendon, New Southgate, Hampstead, and the surrounding areas.

Working as a Bank Chef within one of our nurseries, you can blend the convenience of Bank / Locum / Agency work, with the security and benefits of being an employee – giving you the flexibility to work when you wish! Our busiest times of year are during the summer and school holidays so this would suit somebody who is available during these periods.

What we can offer you

Our benefits include, but are not limited to;

• Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes and mental health support
• A wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities and days out
• Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries
• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006 - as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What you’ll be doing

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children with minimum wastage
• Take responsibility to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to the teams
• Keep the kitchen a clean and safe environment, adhering to internal and external requirements
• Have an active role in leading the cookery club sessions with the children
• Support with other nursery activities e.g., BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings
• Ensure stock levels are suitably managed and recorded, in line with company procedure
• Work in partnership with the nursery team and parents, to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet
• Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health and safety and safeguarding
• Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy and safe environment

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a role which involves cooking in a domestic or commercial property
• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
• Sound knowledge of COSHH
• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
• Great communication skills, with both colleagues, children, and parents
• Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.