Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in Greater London is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare and present age-appropriate meals for children. The role involves catering to dietary requirements, leading cooking sessions, and participating in nursery activities. Ideal candidates will have prior cooking experience, a passion for nutrition, and effective communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including a generous leave policy and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial benefits including virtual GP appointments

Professional development access

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial setting.
• Understanding of managing dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
• Ability to inspire healthy eating habits.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present appropriate food for children.
• Cater for all dietary requirements and communicate effectively.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.

Skills

Previous experience within a cooking role

Passion for nutrition

Ability to manage dietary requirements

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Knowledge of COSHH

Great communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety qualification

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons West Norwood Day Nursery and Preschool

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

Location – West Dulwich, London

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 West Norwood nursery, situated in West Dulwich, London.

Our Bright Horizons West Norwood Day Nursery and Preschool is Ofsted rated 'Good’ and is set within a beautifully designed building.

Our Benefits

• From £30,659 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

*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 [e-mail] we will be happy to help.