Early Years Chef

MP Training and Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Parental leave

Annual leave 20 days + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career coach

Job summary

Bright Horizons Elm Grove Day Nursery and Preschool in Kingston upon Thames is seeking an Early Years Chef. You will prepare and present age-appropriate meals for children, manage dietary requirements, and lead cookery sessions while supporting nursery activities and events.

The role requires Food Safety Level 2 or equivalent, COSHH awareness, and excellent communication with staff, children and parents. The post offers a generous benefits package and a fixed-term contract until late 2027.

Qualifications

• Food Safety Level 2 or higher required.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and allergies.
• Strong communication with colleagues, children, and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present meals for nursery children.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.
• Coordinate with staff and parents to ensure healthy, nutritious meals.

Skills

Food Safety

COSHH

Communication

Dietary knowledge

Education

Food Safety Level 2

Tools

COSHH training

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Elm Grove Day Nursery and Preschool

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

Location – Kingston upon Thames

Contract type: Fixed term until approximately November/December 2027.

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

Additional Information

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.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.

We acknowledge that Bright Horizons will collect, store and process any of your personal data provided in respect of your application and employment in accordance with our Employee Privacy Notice.