Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Grove; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

Annual leave & holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Careers coach access

Early wage access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Elm Grove Day Nursery and Preschool in Kingston upon Thames is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook, and present nutritious meals for children, with a focus on minimizing waste and meeting dietary needs. You will work closely with staff and parents to promote healthy eating and participate in nursery activities.

The role involves leading cookery club sessions and supporting events such as BBQs and fêtes, with a commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment practices.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and encouraging healthy eating.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements and allergies.
• Food Safety L2+ or equivalent – must be obtained on day 1 in post.
• Sound COSHH knowledge.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children, and parents.
• Ability to work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for all children with minimal wastage.
• Ensure dietary requirements are correctly communicated to teams and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children and support nursery activities.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food Safety L2+

COSHH knowledge

Communication

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

Food safety 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

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 Bright Horizons Elm Grove Day Nursery and Preschool.

• 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.

INDSM

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.