Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent childcare provider in Kingston upon Thames is seeking an Early Years Chef who will prepare and present appropriate food for children while managing dietary requirements. The position involves leading cookery sessions and promoting nutrition. Candidates should have cooking experience, a passion for nutrition, and the ability to work under pressure. The organization values inclusivity and offers benefits like childcare discounts and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing support

Professional development access

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, either domestic or commercial.
• Ability to manage various dietary requirements.
• Strong communication skills with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present nutritious food for children.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Communicate dietary requirements to the team.

Skills

Cooking experience

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Food Safety CIEH L2

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or equivalent

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Kingston Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – Starting from £30,659.20 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 Kingston Day Nursery and Preschool.

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

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.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please [e-mail] we will be happy to help.