Early Years Chef - Mat Cover

Bright Horizons; North Baddesley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in North Baddesley is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare nutritious meals for children in their nursery. The role includes ensuring dietary needs are met and actively engaging with children through cookery sessions. Ideal candidates will have previous cooking experience, knowledge of food safety standards, and excellent communication skills. You'll benefit from a competitive salary and a range of employee perks, including childcare discounts and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, domestic or commercial.
• Ability to manage food allergies and dietary requirements.
• Great communication skills with colleagues, children, and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present age-appropriate food with minimum wastage.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered to and communicated.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.

Skills

Previous cooking experience

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or above

Job description

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age‑appropriate food for all children in the nursery with minimum wastage.
• Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams.
• Work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support other nursery activities such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

Qualifications

• 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 Level 2 or above (or equivalent) – 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.

Compensation

£27,617.03 – £37,741.83 per annum

Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to 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 a careers coach.
• Shift: 40 hours over 5 days (can be discussed).