Early Years Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

Annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development programme

Subject to T&Cs

Job summary

Bright Horizons Palmers Green Day Nursery and Preschool in Palmers Green, London, is seeking an enthusiastic Early Years Chef to join our nursery team.

You will prepare and present age-appropriate meals for children, catering for dietary needs and communicating requirements clearly to staff. You will also lead cookery club sessions and support staff events and nursery activities.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial setting.
• Passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above (to be passed on day 1).
• COSHH knowledge.
• Great communication with colleagues, children, and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Previous cooking experience

Nutrition passion

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food Safety Level 2

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Palmers Green Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – starting from £31,948.80 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Palmers 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 Palmers Green Nursery.

This setting is situated in North London, close to Palmers Green railway station, and offers access to Central London within 30 minutes. There is also nearby access to bus routes 121, 616 and W6.

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.