Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Woking; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits (GP access)

Career development programme

Subject to Terms & Conditions

Job summary

Bright Horizons Woking Day Nursery is recruiting an Early Years Chef. You will prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for children, ensuring dietary requirements are met and minimising waste.

You will lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities, working closely with staff and parents to promote healthy eating. Applicants should have a passion for nutrition, strong communication skills and a Food Safety Level 2 (or higher).

Qualifications

• Must have passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating.
• Strong knowledge of managing dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Excellent communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Food Safety certification (Level 2+) required to start on day 1.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for all children with minimal waste.
• Communicate dietary needs clearly to staff and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities and events.

Skills

Nutrition focus

Food safety

Dietary requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Pressure handling

Education

Food Safety Level 2 or higher

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Woking Day Nursery

Salary – Starting from £29,931.20 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Woking

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 Woking Day Nursery.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application!