Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Career development programme

Flexible shift options

Job summary

Bright Horizons Regents Park Day Nursery and Preschool in London is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for children, with focus on healthy, nutritious options and minimal waste.

You will work with the nursery team to accommodate dietary requirements, engage children through cookery sessions, and support nursery activities while upholding food safety and COSHH standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and food allergies
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above
• Sound COSHH knowledge
• Excellent communication with staff, children, and parents

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all children with minimum wastage
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to teams
• Lead cookery club sessions with children
• Support nursery activities such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Communication skills

Dietary awareness

Food safety

COSHH knowledge

Work under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Regents Park Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – £31,948.80 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Regents Park, London, NW1 4HG

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 Regents Park Day Nursery and Preschool.

Our nursery in Regents Park is located just a 15-minute walk from Mornington Crescent tube. We’re also close to Euston station and Camden Town tube and are well served by bus routes

Our Benefits

• £31,948.80 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 4 or 5 days, 24 hours over 3 days, or 16 hours over 2 days

*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

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

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.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.