Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Tandridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Job summary

Bright Horizons Caterham – The Laurels Nursery is hiring an Early Years Chef to prepare and present nutritious meals for children, with emphasis on clear communication of dietary needs to staff and parents.

You will lead cookery sessions, support special events and work in a friendly team dedicated to child welfare and healthy eating. The role requires cooking experience, knowledge of nutrition and food safety compliance within a nursery setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking roles in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or higher.
• COSHH knowledge.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate food for all children with minimum waste.
• 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

Cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary knowledge

Food safety L2+

COSHH

Communication

Pressure handling

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.

INDLEH

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.