Nursery Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Ely; On-site; GBP 25,899 - 31,654; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Bright Horizons Ely Day Nursery is seeking an Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for children, minimizing waste and catering to dietary needs.

You will lead cookery club sessions, support nursery activities such as BBQs and fêtes, and work closely with staff and parents to promote healthy eating. Food safety qualifications must be obtained on day one.

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking for nursery or similar setting.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements including allergies.
• Food Safety qualification required on day 1.
• COSHH knowledge.
• Excellent communication with staff, children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals with minimal waste.
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Support nursery activities such as BBQs, fêtes and staff meetings.

Skills

Food safety

Nutrition knowledge

Dietary requirements

COSHH

Communication

Working under pressure

Education

Food Safety Level 2 (CIEH)

Job description

Nursery – Ely Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – £28,776.90 per annum

Location – Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EX

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 Ely Day Nursery which is conveniently located in the Cambridgeshire Business Park, just five minutes from Ely train station. We offer on‑site parking for staff. Our modern, purpose‑built nursery features a large outdoor area and well‑equipped, spacious rooms that encourage children to learn through exploration and investigation.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application!