Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, LLC.; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

Annual leave 20 days

Additional leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

24/7 Virtual GP

Career development

Job summary

Bright Horizons Leatherhead Day Nursery and Pre School is seeking an Early Years Chef to plan, prepare, and present nutritious meals for children, minimising waste and accommodating dietary needs. You will engage with parents and staff to promote healthy eating and run cookery club sessions.

The role requires prior cooking experience, a passion for nutrition, and Food Safety Level 2. You will work on-site in Leatherhead and contribute to broader nursery activities and events.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 (CIEH) must be passed on day 1.
• COSHH knowledge is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cooking

Nutrition

Communication

Teamwork

Under pressure

Education

Food Safety Level 2 (CIEH)

Tools

COSHH

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Leatherhead Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – £30,368 to £41,451 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Leatherhead

Culture

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.”

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.

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

Compliance

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.

Privacy Notice

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