Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-rated children's nursery in Watford is seeking an experienced Early Years Chef to prepare and present healthy meals for children while ensuring dietary needs are met. The ideal candidate will have a passion for nutrition and cooking experience. This position offers competitive benefits including an above industry standard salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Above industry standard salary

Discounted childcare for first child

Up to 33 days holiday per year

Access to smart health service

Financial support options

Development programme access

Future Leaders programme access

Employee Appreciation events

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a role involving cooking.
• Sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present food for children.
• Ensure dietary requirements are managed and communicated.
• Keep the kitchen clean and safe.

Skills

Cooking in a domestic or commercial property

Passion for nutrition

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or above

Job description

Nursery: Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary: Starting from £30,659.20 per annum (full time equivalent, dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Watford, WD18

We are looking for a full time Early Years Chef, to join our Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and Preschool. The nursery is Ofsted rated 'Good', and is situated in Watford in a beautiful converted Victorian house. The 63-place setting has four rooms across three floors. It is very local to the Watford town centre and has great transport links- the Watford metropolitan station is very close by, and Watford Junction is just a 10 minute walk.

What we can offer you

Our benefits include, but are not limited to;

• Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews

• Discounted childcare of 50% for first child (T&C Apply)

• Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days

• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes and mental health support

• Financial support through early access to wages, low interest debt consolidation loans and a wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities and days out

• Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries

• Access to our Future Leaders programme, preparing you to step into a Room Leader position

• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s

• Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006 - as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What you’ll be doing

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children with minimum wastage

• Take responsibility to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to the teams

• Keep the kitchen a clean and safe environment, adhering to internal and external requirements

• Have an active role in leading the cookery club sessions with the children

• Support with other nursery activities e.g., BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings

• Ensure stock levels are suitably managed and recorded, in line with company procedure

• Work in partnership with the nursery team and parents, to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet

• Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health and safety and safeguarding

• Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy and safe environment

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a role which involves cooking in a domestic or commercial property

• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating

• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post

• Sound knowledge of COSHH

• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies

• Great communication skills, with both colleagues, children, and parents

• Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. 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 look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please [e-mail] we will be happy to help.