Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Grove; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development

Job summary

Bright Horizons Elm Grove Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook, and present nutritious meals for all children, minimising waste and meeting dietary needs. You will lead cookery club sessions and collaborate with staff and parents to promote healthy eating.

Experience in cooking roles and a Food Safety (CIEH L2+) qualification is preferred; COSHH knowledge is desirable. This is a fixed-term role until approximately November/December 2027, based in Kingston

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking roles in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements, including allergies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present meals for nursery children with minimal waste.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities and events.

Skills

Great communication

Attention to detail

Nutrition focus

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety: CIEH L2+

COSHH knowledge

Tools

COSHH

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

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."

• this is a fixed term role until approximately November/December 2027*

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

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.