Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Kenton; 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

Financial wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Bright Horizons Kenton Day Nursery in Kenton is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for children, ensuring dietary requirements are met and communicated to the team. You will lead cookery club sessions and support with nursery activities and events.

The role emphasizes food safety, allergen awareness, and working within a warm, supportive team that values the HEART principles and safe child welfare practices.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a cooking role in a commercial property.
• Passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating.
• Ability to manage different dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above (to be achieved on day 1).
• Sound knowledge of COSHH requirements.
• Strong communication with colleagues, children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for 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

Cooking experience

Nutrition awareness

Allergen knowledge

Food Safety Level 2+

COSHH

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Nursery - Bright Horizons Kenton Day Nursery

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

Hours - 08:00-17:00 | Mon-Fri | Permanent

Location - Kenton, HA3 0LJ

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 Kenton Day Nursery! Our Bright Horizons Kenton Day Nursery and Preschool is a beautiful converted house based in Kenton, Harrow and is situated within close proximity of the Bakerloo and Metropolitan Lines. The 88-place setting features well-resourced rooms and a fantastic, colourful garden area with play equipment.

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 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

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.

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.