Chef

N Family Club; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Holiday allowance up to 35 days

Development fund £100 annual learning

Enhanced parental/fostering leave

Childcare 40% discount

Job summary

N Family Club in London is seeking a Chef to join our Nursery Operations team. You will cook breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for children, while accommodating allergies and diverse dietary needs.

You’ll also prepare meals for the nursery staff and help nurture healthy eating habits in a lively, safety-focused kitchen. Based at our Dulwich location, you’ll mentor apprentice chefs, maintain hygiene standards, manage stock, and support parents with confident, transparent food choices.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a kitchen environment.
• A passion for food and nutrition.
• Long-term culinary career goals.
• Conscious practices around food, including recycling and reducing waste.
• Ability to work quickly during busy service times.
• Positive outlook and motivation to “make it happen”.
• Love for customer service.

Responsibilities

• Cook fresh, nutritious meals for children and team daily.
• Follow set menu/recipes and meet age-specific nutrition.
• Learn each child’s allergies/dietary needs.
• Prepare daily lunches and smoothies for nursery team.
• Maintain kitchen paperwork, cleaning schedules, and safety logs.
• Order supplies and manage stock to keep kitchen running.
• Maintain a 5-star Food Hygiene standard.
• Build positive relationships with parents about food.
• Mentor apprentice Chefs and develop kitchen skills.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Nutrition-minded

Culinary interest

Food waste minimisation

Fast service mindset

Positive attitude

Drive and accountability

Customer service

Job description

Chef

Department: Nursery Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Dulwich, London

Reporting To: Chelsea Garratt

Compensation: £28,454 - £38,750 / year

Description

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early-years education provider.

At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum-led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

As a Chef at N Family, you’ll be cooking up a storm every day - preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children, as well as a lunch and a smoothie for our hard-working nursery team. We’re looking for a creative Chef who’s passionate about introducing young children to new foods and can cater to a range of allergies and dietary needs. With your dedication and passion, you’ll make your mark and help us become the most loved early years education group in the UK.

Your key responsibilities

• Cook fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals for the children and team every day, following our set menu and recipes.
• Make sure each meal meets the nutritional needs of different age groups and follows all food safety and choking guidelines.
• Learn every child’s allergy and dietary requirements inside out.
• Prepare daily lunches and smoothies for the nursery team, catering to a variety of diets and preferences.
• Keep on top of kitchen paperwork and checks, including cleaning schedules and daily safety logs.
• Order supplies, manage stock, and make sure the kitchen runs smoothly.
• Maintain the kitchen to a 5-star Food Hygiene standard.
• Build friendly, professional relationships with parents so they feel confident about the food their children eat.
• Mentor and support apprentice Chefs, helping them grow their skills and confidence in the kitchen.

Our Chefs should have…

• Previous experience working in a kitchen environment.
• A passion for food and nutrition.
• A genuine interest in cooking with long-term culinary career goals.
• Experience of conscious practices within food and cooking, including recycling and creating as little food waste as possible.
• The ability to work quickly and effectively during busy service times.
• A positive, glass-half-full outlook.
• Bags of drive and motivation with a ‘make it happen’ attitude!
• A love for customer service.

The N Advantage package

• Competitive salary – £28,454 - £38,750 per annum
• Performance bonus – Up to £1,200 annually.
• Industry-leading holiday allowance – Up to 35 days, including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
• Development fund – £100 annual learning fund, plus paid N Academy training (level 3, EY Degrees, Forest School & more).
• Family-friendly – Enhanced parental/fostering/neonatal leave after 2 years.
• Childcare – 40% discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.

And that’s not all!

• Loyalty rewards – 5-year bonus: around-the-world trip + 2 bonus weeks off. 10-year bonus: “Out of this world” experience + 2 more weeks off!
• Referral scheme – Earn up to £1000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts – Save on groceries, shopping, fitness, and more.
• Travel support – Season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Socials & Wellbeing – Annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness.
• And much, much more!

Why N East Dulwich?

Step into our beautifully restored, Grade II-listed nursery in East Dulwich—an inspiring 181-place nursery designed for learning and exploration.

Getting here is a breeze! We’re a short stroll from East Dulwich station, with well connected local transport links.

Why N Family Club?

At N Family Club, we’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups. With top salaries, unmatched benefits, and real career progression, we put our people first.