Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons; Woodland; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Pension

Wellbeing benefits and 24/7 virtual GP

Job summary

Bright Horizons Woodland Day Nursery is hiring an Early Years Chef to lead the kitchen for up to 104 children aged 3 months to 5 years. The role involves preparing fresh, nutritious meals, managing dietary requirements, and engaging children with cookery activities. DBS checks apply.

Role requires experience in cooking in domestic or commercial settings, Food Safety Level 2 or equivalent, and COSHH knowledge. 40-hour week, Mon-Fri, 08:00-17:00, in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for groups, domestic or commercial setting.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating for children.
• Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or equivalent must be obtained on day 1.
• COSHH knowledge and safe handling of food.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for up to 104 children.
• Cater for dietary requirements and communicate with teams and parents.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children and assist with nursery activities.

Skills

Cooking skills

Nutrition knowledge

Dietary requirements knowledge

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety Level 2

COSHH awareness

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Woodland Day Nursery

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 Woodland Day Nursery and lead our kitchen where we prepare fresh and nutritious meals for up to 104 children aged 3 months to 5 years.

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

Hours – 40 Hours Per Week | Mon-Fri | 08:00-17:00

Location – Gaydon, Warwickshire

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

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.

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.