Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Bromley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in Bickley, Kent, is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare nutritious meals for children, ensuring dietary requirements are met. The ideal candidate will have a passion for nutrition and previous cooking experience, with a focus on fostering a healthy diet among children. This role offers competitive salary and a supportive working environment. Join us to make a positive difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Paid Christmas closure

Pension

Virtual GP appointments

Professional development programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, in either a domestic or commercial setting.
• Knowledge of managing food allergies and dietary requirements.
• Must achieve Food Safety CIEH L2 or above within first day.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for children.
• Communicate dietary requirements to staff and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children and support nursery events.

Skills

Previous cooking experience

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Knowledge of COSHH

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Bickley

Salary – £30,659 – £41,891 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Bickley, Kent

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for an Early Years Chef to join our Bickley nursery This is a purpose built nursery with a great location between Chistlehurst and Bickley train stations.

Our Benefits

• £30,659- £41,891 per annum
• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
• Shift options: 40 hours over 5 days 8 hour shifts

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age‑appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What we’re looking for

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

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.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!

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