Cook

Tops Day Nurseries; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking a passionate NURSERY COOK to prepare nutritious meals for young children. The ideal candidate will have experience in a nursery setting and a solid understanding of dietary needs. Responsibilities include following safety protocols, assisting budget management, and ensuring a high standard of food quality. This full-time role offers a competitive pay rate and a variety of employee benefits, making it a rewarding opportunity for those committed to child nutrition.

Benefits

Annual Bonus Scheme

Childcare Discount

Flexible Working Options

Holiday Allowance

Wellbeing Day

Free meals

Employee Recognition

Career Development

Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a cook in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• Maintain relevant Health & Hygiene qualifications.
• Assist in achieving food budgets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for young children.
• Follow food safety regulations, including allergy management.
• Ensure the kitchen meets health and safety standards.

Skills

Cookery knowledge and experience

Strong organisational skills

Understanding of nutrition for children

Food Hygiene Certificate

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher)

Job description

Job description : NURSERY COOK

Location : Tops Wimborne, Wimborne

Pay rate : £13.30 per hour

Contracted Hours : 35 hours per week / Full time (6am – 1pm)

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious meals and creating healthy eating habits for young children? We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team and provide wholesome meals for the children in our care.

Our cook’s help to produce high standards of meals and food following the company ethos, in line with seasonal availability, financial budgets and reducing carbon footprint / sustainable purchasing. Keen to work within a team and understand other people’s needs. Will follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens, and label procedures and will assist in achieving food budgets.

About the Nursery

Tops Wimborne Nursery is an 80 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Leigh Road, Wimborne. The nursery run several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation and much more!

What does the role involve?

• Keen to work within a team and understand other people’s needs.
• Cookery knowledge and experience
• Follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens, and label procedures.
• Maintain relevant Health & Hygiene qualifications.
• Stay up to date with food trends and new methods.
• Assist in achieving food budgets.
• To ensure the kitchen meets the required 5 environmental health certificate.
• Monitor both stock levels and stock rotation.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• A good understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for young children.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including allergy management.
• A passion for preparing healthy, child-friendly meals.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family :

• Annual Bonus Scheme : As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
• Childcare Discount : Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, making it easier for you to balance work and family life.
• Flexible Working Options : Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two-week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. And that’s in addition to your standard holiday allowance!
• Holiday Allowance : Take advantage of 29 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
• Wellbeing Day : For you to enjoy the way you would like.Take a step back, unwind, and focus on the things that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Free meals : Our nurseries are proud to provide free breakfast to our colleagues as part of our commitment to supporting your well‑being. Enjoy freshly prepared meals each day, ensuring you're energized and ready to provide the best care and education for the children we nurture.
• Employee Recognition : Access to the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
• Employee Recognition Platform : Access our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for Gym discounts, Cycle2Work benefits, GP on demand, Cinema deals, Diesel Savings Card, and cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers. We also use Each person to celebrate employee of the month!
• Health and Wellbeing Support : We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.
• Career Development : We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement.
• Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan : Borrow up to £500 interest‑free and spread the expense easily, whether for public transport or parking.

Why Tops Day Nurseries?

We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose‑driven work environment.

As an Employee‑Owned Company, our colleagues are co‑owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit‑sharing bonuses. We're also proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.

Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team by clicking apply!

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Childrens’ Barred List.