Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 GP

Career development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for nursery children, ensuring dietary needs are catered for and communicated clearly to teams and parents.

You will lead cookery club sessions, support with activities such as BBQs and fetes, and help foster a healthy eating culture across the nursery.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for a nursery or similar setting is preferred.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above (or equivalent).
• COSHH knowledge and safe food handling.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate meals for children with minimum waste.
• Communicate dietary requirements clearly to teams and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children and support nursery activities.
• Participate in events such as BBQs, fetes and staff meetings.

Job description

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.

• 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

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