Early Years Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits and wage access

Career development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons West Dulwich Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare and present healthy meals for children with minimal waste. You will ensure dietary requirements are met and communicated to staff, while leading engaging cookery club activities.

You will work closely with the nursery team and parents to promote balanced nutrition and safe food handling, in a supportive environment with development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety (CIEH L2+ or equivalent) must be obtained by day 1.
• COSHH knowledge.
• Strong communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for all children with minimal waste.
• Cater for dietary requirements and communicate them clearly to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Support nursery activities such as BBQs, fetes and staff meetings.

Skills

Nutrition passion

Communication skills

Dietary management

Pressure handling

Food safety awareness

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2+

Enhanced DBS check

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons West Dulwich Day Nursery and Preschool

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

Location – West Dulwich, SE27 9RB

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 a Regional Early Years Chef to join our West Dulwich setting which has good links to public transport, with Gipsy hill station a 5 minute walk away. There is also free off-street parking.

Nestled in a beautiful Church setting, our nursery offers four spacious rooms designed to inspire learning, creativity and development at every stage. Children can enjoy exploring our large outdoor garden, complete with natural trees that provide the perfect environment for adventure, discovery and outdoor play.

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.