Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Canterbury is seeking an Early Years Chef who will prepare and present healthy meals for young children while managing various dietary needs. Responsibilities include cooking, leading children’s cookery sessions, and collaborating with staff and parents to promote nutrition. Previous cooking experience and a passion for healthy eating are essential. Join a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of managing dietary requirements including allergies.
• Food Safety Certification must be obtained by day 1.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for children.
• Cater to dietary requirements and communicate effectively with team and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.

Skills

Experience in cooking role

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 Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – £27,617 - £37,741 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Canterbury, 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 Bright Horizons Canterbury nursery.

Our Benefits

• £27,617 - £37,741 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

*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!