Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Poole; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount (50%)

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits + 24/7 virtual GP

Career development access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Poole Day Nursery and Pre School is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook, and present nutritious, age-appropriate meals for all children in the Poole nursery. You will manage dietary requirements, communicate allergies to teams, and lead cookery club sessions while supporting events and nursery activities.

The role requires prior cooking experience, a passion for healthy eating, and strong communication with staff, children, and parents.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a cooking role.
• Passion for nutrition and inspiring others in healthy eating.
• Sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements and food allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above (to be passed on day 1).
• Sound knowledge of COSHH.
• Great communication skills with colleagues, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for all children with minimum wastage.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Support nursery activities such as BBQs, Fetes and staff meetings.

Skills

Food Safety L2

COSHH

Dietary management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Stress management

Education

Food Safety Level 2+ (CIEH)

Job description

Nursery - Bright Horizons Poole Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary - £28,776 to £39,289 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location - Poole, Dorset

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 Poole nursery.

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.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.

We look forward to receiving your application.

INDSH

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.

We look forward to receiving your application!