Early years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Hedge End; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Pension

Professional development programme

Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 GP

Job summary

Bright Horizons Hedge End Day Nursery and Pre School is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for children, ensuring minimal waste and accommodating dietary needs. You will collaborate with staff and families to promote healthy eating in a caring nursery environment.

You will also lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities and events, with safeguarding checks completed prior to start. A positive, team-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role.
• Nutrition focus and ability to inspire healthy eating.
• Understanding dietary requirements and allergies.
• Good communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure in a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals with minimal waste.
• Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions and assist with nursery activities and events.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Food Safety Level 2

COSHH awareness

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Hedge End Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – Starting from £28,776 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Hedge End

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 Hedge End nursery.

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.

INDSH