Nursery Chef

Rosewood Montessori Day Nursery and Forest School; City Of London; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local nursery in the City of London is seeking a dedicated Nursery Chef responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious meals for young children. Duties include ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene and managing dietary requirements. The role offers 40 hours per week with an annual salary of £26,500, alongside several benefits, including generous annual leave and employee childcare discounts.

Benefits

Annual Leave starting at 24 days

75% off nursery fees for team members

Health and Wellbeing programme

Tailored learning and development opportunities

Referral programme with bonuses

Excellent transport links

Qualifications

• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of managing dietary requirements.
• Sound knowledge of COSHH is essential.
• Experience in cooking for children is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook age-appropriate meals daily.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Work with nursery staff to manage dietary requirements.

Skills

Managing different dietary requirements around food allergies

Knowledge of COSHH

Working to a catering budget

Cooking in domestic or commercial property

Fluent in written and spoken English

Cooking for young children

Job description

Keep the kitchen a clean and safe environment, adhering to internal and external requirements; complete the Kitchen Hygiene Checklist each month, and ensure that the Cleaning Schedule is complete and adhered to, being regularly updated and displayed prominently in the kitchen. Ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene in the nursery and kitchen. The nursery staff will tell you each day of the numbers to cater for; prepare and cook enough age‑appropriate food (cooked as near to the point of service as possible) for all the children on a daily basis, with minimum wastage. Take responsibility to make sure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to the teams. Ensure that dietary requirements and personal care routines are adhered to at all times, including the robust measures around the Red, Amber and Green plate procedures. Work in co‑operation and partnership with the Nursery team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. Ensure that budgetary requirements are met through careful planning of all food orders.

• Duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive, changes and other duties relevant to this post may be added.
• Able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements around food allergies - essential
• Sound Knowledge of COSHH - essential
• Able to work to a catering budget, in a manner that avoids fluctuating standards of food service - essential
• Experience and qualified to the appropriate level in any role which involves cooking in domestic or commercial property - essential
• Fluent in written and spoken English at GCSE grade C (or equivalent) - essential
• Experienced and passionate about any role that involves cooking for young children - desirable
• We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
• £26,500 per annum – 40 hours per week

The Rosewood Montessori Day Nursery & Forest School is situated on a peaceful, residential street, conveniently located between Ruislip Manor and Eastcote Train Stations. With convenient on‑street parking available directly outside, our nursery is easily accessible for both staff and parents. We offer a warm, homely environment within a spacious house, complemented by a variety of extracurricular activities. These include Superstar Sports to promote physical development and Tiny Mites Storytelling to foster creativity and listening skills. Our expansive outdoor area features a dedicated forest school, accessible in all weather conditions. Here, children are encouraged to explore and connect with nature through activities such as den building, mud cooking, creating art from natural materials, and discovering the wonders of our bug hotels.

We are seeking a dedicated Nursery Chef to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting age‑appropriate meals to the highest standards, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. You will work closely with the nursery team and parents to support the overall care and educational experience of the children. You will also maintain accurate records of supplies, ordering replacements as needed, while adhering to the nursery's budget requirements. This position offers 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday all year round.

Why Join Us?

• Annual Leave: Starting at 24 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday and bank holidays
• Employee Childcare Discounts: 75% off nursery fees for our team member's
• Health and Wellbeing Programme: Confidential employee assistance helpline available
• Development: Tailored learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
• Referral programme: Refer a friend and earn up to £750
• Excellent Transport Links