Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Early Years Chef, where your culinary skills will shape healthy eating habits for young children. This role is not just about cooking; it's about inspiring the next generation through nutritious meals and engaging activities. Enjoy a supportive environment that values teamwork and personal growth, while making a real difference in children's lives. With great benefits and a commitment to professional development, this is an exciting opportunity to thrive in a rewarding career.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Shift options: 40 hours over 4 or 5 days

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, either domestic or commercial.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, especially food allergies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present age-appropriate food for children.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.

Skills

Cooking

Nutrition

Communication Skills

Food Safety (CIEH L2)

Managing Dietary Requirements

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Maythorne Cottages Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £30,659per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Hither Green, London

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 Maythorne Cottages nursery. Maythorne Cottages is a beautiful nursery located in the heart of Hither Green, we are steps away from Hither green station and have great links to London Bridge, Lewisham and Kent areas.

Our nursery takes children aged 3 months - 3 years and we work in strong partnership with Beacon road nursery which is our pre-school unit. We thrive to provide quality childcare and education consistently with all age groups. The nursery consists of 4 rooms, with 2 great outdoors spaces.

Our Benefits

• From £30,659per annum
• 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
• Shift options: 40 hours over 4 or 5 days,

*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!

INDLEH

We look forward to receiving your application!

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