Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

31 days annual leave

Pension

24/7 virtual GP and early wage access

Professional development programme and

Careers coach access

Job summary

Bright Horizons in Edinburgh is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for all children, with a focus on nutrition and safety. You will lead cookery clubs and support with nursery activities and events while ensuring dietary requirements are clearly communicated to teams and parents.

The role requires experience in a cooking setting (preferably nursery or care home), Food Safety Level 2 or above, COSHH knowledge, and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for nursery or care settings preferred.
• Strong focus on nutrition and healthy eating.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements and allergies.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for all children.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Support nursery activities and school events (BBQs, Fetes, staff meetings).
• Communicate dietary requirements clearly to teams and parents.
• Minimise food wastage and ensure safety practices.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements

Communication skills

Pressure handling

Education

Food Safety Level 2 (CIEH) or above

Job description

Nursery – Elsie Inglis

Salary – From £30,368 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Edinburgh

Hours- Full time- 40 hrs- Mon- Fri

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 Elsie Inglis nursery.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 31 days annual leave, 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, preferably in a nursery or care home setting.
• 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 a PVG 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.

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.