Flexi Chef

N Family Club; Reading; On-site; GBP 2,056,756 - 2,757,955; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible hours

Daily perks: lunch & drinks

Referral bonuses

Team socials & wellbeing

Job summary

N Family Club is seeking a Flexi Chef in Reading, Berkshire to prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children and staff. You will follow nutritionist-designed recipes, cater to allergies, and work varied shifts to ensure high-quality meals across all age groups.

You’ll help maintain a 5-star hygiene standard and support kitchen operations with accuracy and care. The role offers flexible hours, a strong benefits package, and opportunities to grow within the early years education group

Qualifications

• Must have Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2 or above (Level 3 during induction if not already held).
• Experience in a nursery or school kitchen is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cook fresh and inspiring food for children, with occasional weekends.
• Follow nutritionist-designed recipes and menus to deliver balanced meals.
• Cater to differing dietary needs and allergies, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Prepare a daily lunch and smoothie for nursery staff with varied diets.
• Maintain kitchen records, due diligence diary, and cleaning schedule.
• Order and manage food supplies, rotate stock, and uphold hygiene standards.
• Mentor nursery Apprentice Chef and support team on culinary excellence.

Education

Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2

Job description

Flexi Chef

Department: Nursery Flexi

Employment Type: Flexible

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Reporting To: Morven Herasimtschuk

Compensation: £14.93 - £20.02 / hour

Description

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early-years education provider.

At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum-led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

As a Flexi Chef at N Family Club you’ll be cooking up a storm - preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children, as well as a lunch and a smoothie for our hard-working nursery team. We're looking for creative chefs who are passionate about introducing young children to new foods and can cater to a range of allergies and dietary needs.

You’ll also bring flexibility and energy to your work, helping the nursery cover varied shift patterns to provide the best nutrition to children of all age groups. Every day will bring something new, and your dedication will help us become the most loved early years education group in the UK. To be successful in this role, you will; Go Beyond, Be Outstandingly Outstanding and Play as a Team.

Key responsibilities and tasks:

• Cook fresh and inspiring food for our children, with occasional weekends;


• Follow our nutritionist-designed recipes and menu to ensure that each child receives the best possible level of vitamins and nutrients;


• Cater to the differing dietary needs of different age groups, following food preparation and choking guidelines;


• Know the allergies and dietary requirements of your children inside out, ensuring you adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure there is no risk of cross-contamination and that each individual child’s nutritional needs are met;


• Preparation of a daily lunch and smoothie for our nursery team, catering to different dietary needs;


• Overall responsibility for the timely completion of all kitchen paperwork and compliance related tasks, including a daily Due Diligence Diary and our kitchen Cleaning Schedule;


• Responsible for washing up, the ordering of food supplies from our accredited supplier, managing weekly ordering and efficient stock rotation;


• Maintenance and upkeep of the kitchen to a 5 star Food Hygiene rating standard, adhering to all Environment Health industry regulations and requirements;


• Build and maintain excellent relationships with our nursery parents;


• Participate in our nursery Apprentice Chef scheme by mentoring, coaching and guiding our next generation of nursery chefs as and when required;


• Responsible for always adhering to the company's H&S policy: “Statement of Intent\"


• Be a role model for exceptionally high standards, never cutting corners, thriving on feedback and leading on culinary excellence.


• Confidently manage the handover of food at mealtimes. Ensuring all necessary information is provided, including accurate allergy details and portion sizes, and that each room receives the correct meals.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a nursery or school commercial-sized kitchen


• Experience catering for diverse dietary needs


• Previous experience catering for very young children, with an understanding of food preparation guidelines


• Experience with Environmental Health inspections


• Good knowledge of food allergens and child nutrition, and ability to work to the nursery budget for each child

Qualifications:

• Must have Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2 or above (will be required to complete Level 3 during induction if not already held)

Personal attributes:

• A passionate, creative cook who loves working with children and families


• Conscious practices within food and cooking including recycling and creating as little food waste as possible


• Ability to work quickly and effectively during busy service times


• Positive outlook (someone who always sees the glass as half full)


• Bags of drive and motivation with a ‘make it happen’ attitude


• A love for customer service (you want to make people happy)


• High energy brought to every task you take on, and a solutions driven approach to problems

The N Advantage package

• Competitive pay – £14.93ph - £20.02ph (including 12.07% holiday entitlement), based on experience and dedication.


• Flexible hours that suit your lifestyle –Choose when you work.


• Daily Perks –Complimentary lunch and drinks every day.


• Referral Bonuses –Earn up to £1,000 for every friend you refer who joins N Family Club.


• Socials & wellbeing – Annual parties like our Festive Winter Party and Summer BBQ, team events, and our Wellbeing Week.


• Flexibility to join permanently – If you choose to join us permanently, you may receive a welcome bonus of up to £1,000!

Why N Reading?

Join our fantastic team at this vibrant 135-place nursery in the heart of Reading, Berkshire.

Getting here is a breeze! With the number 81 bus stopping right outside and plenty of free local parking, your commute is as easy as it gets.

Why N Family Club?

At N Family Club, we’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups. With top salaries, unmatched benefits, and real career progression, we put our people first.

Join us today to spark big ideas in young minds and shape a career you’ll love.

What's next?

If you want to read more about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.