Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 GP

Professional development access

Job summary

Bright Horizons Nursling Day Nursery And Preschool in Southampton is seeking an Early Years Chef. This part-time role (16 hours per week) focuses on preparing nutritious meals for children, with attention to dietary needs and waste minimisation.

You will collaborate with nursery teams and parents to promote healthy eating, run cookery sessions, and assist with nursery events and activities as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a cooking role, domestic or commercial.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and allergies.
• Food safety level 2 or higher must be obtained on day 1.
• Know-how of COSHH and safe kitchen practices.
• Good communication with colleagues, children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals with minimal waste.
• Ensure correct dietary requirements are communicated to the team.
• Lead cookery club sessions and assist with nursery events.
• Support with activities such as BBQs, fetes and staff meetings.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition focus

Dietary knowledge

Food safety L2

COSHH

Communication

Teamwork

Pressure handling

Tools

Kitchen safety procedures

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Nursling Day Nursery And Preschool

Salary – From £28,776.90 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Southampton, Hampshire

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 Nursling Day Nursery. This is a part time position working 16 hours per week.

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. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

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.

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.