Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

Annual leave and holiday entitlement

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Kingston Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Chef to join our Kingston upon Thames site. You will prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for children with minimal waste and with careful attention to dietary needs, communicating clearly with staff and parents.

You will also lead cookery activities and support nursery events, contributing to a healthy, nutritious diet across the setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for children or in a nursery setting.
• Ability to cater for dietary requirements and allergies.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Excellent communication with staff, children, and parents.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Allergen management

Communication skills

Pressure handling

Food safety

COSHH

Education

Food Safety L2

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

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.