Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Tandridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Caterham The Laurels Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for children, minimising waste and accommodating dietary needs. You will collaborate with staff and parents to promote healthy eating.

Role includes leading cookery club sessions and supporting nursery activities, with safety checks and DBS processes in place. Experience in a kitchen and Food Safety Level 2+ are essential, and COSHH knowledge is required.

Qualifications

• Cooking experience in a domestic or commercial kitchen.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, including allergies.

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 and support with nursery activities.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food safety L2+

COSHH knowledge

Communication

Pressure management

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2+

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Caterham The Laurels Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £31,948 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Caterham, Surrey

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 Caterham The Laurels Nursery, situated Caterham, Surrey.

Our Caterham nursery is situated in a leafy residential area, directly opposite Town End Recreation Ground where we take the children in Summer. We have a parent drop-off zone and parking facilities for your convenience and are a twenty minute walk from Caterham Station.

Our Benefits

• From £31,948 per 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 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

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.

We’re proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.

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.