Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Ely; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits (GP access)

Career coach access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Ely Day Nursery is seeking an enthusiastic Early Years Chef to provide nourishing, age-appropriate meals for children in our Cambridgeshire-based nursery. You will plan menus with minimal waste, cater to dietary needs, and work closely with staff and parents to support healthy eating.

This role offers on-site parking, a supportive team, and benefits including childcare discounts and enhanced leave.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial settings.
• Ability to plan nutritious meals with minimal wastage.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Food Safety certification required (CIEH L2 or equivalent).
• Good communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure in a nursery environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for all children.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to the team.
• Lead cookery activities with children and support nursery events.
• Support with nursery activities such as BBQs and staff meetings.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Job description

Nursery – Ely Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £28,776.90 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EX

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 Ely Day Nursery which is conveniently located in the Cambridgeshire Business Park, just five minutes from Ely train station. We also offer on-site parking for staff. Our modern, purpose-built nursery features a large outdoor area and well-equipped, spacious rooms that encourage children to learn through exploration and investigation.

Our Benefits

• 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.

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.