Nursery Chef

Hedgehog Recruitment Services Ltd; Epsom; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Hedgehog Recruitment Services Ltd is helping a friendly early years setting in Epsom recruit a dedicated Nursery Chef. This full‑time, permanent role runs 7:30am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. You’ll prepare healthy meals for children and maintain a clean, compliant kitchen.

Key tasks include planning age‑appropriate menus, managing allergens and stock, recording temperatures, and working closely with the nursery team to support positive mealtime routines.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or catering professional, nursery or school experience desirable.
• Level 2 Food Safety or higher must be held.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily for children.
• Plan varied, age‑appropriate menus meeting allergies and dietary needs.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Keep accurate records including allergens, temperatures, cleaning schedules and stock.
• Order supplies and manage stock levels.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and compliant.
• Work with the nursery team to support mealtime routines.
• Provide safe meals for children with specific dietary requirements.

Job description

Nursery Chef - Full Time

Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 5:00pm

Permanent role working 52 weeks per year, all year round.

A fantastic opportunity has become available for a dedicated and enthusiastic Nursery Chef to join a friendly early years setting in Epsom. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys preparing healthy meals for children and takes pride in running a clean, organised and fully compliant kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily for children


• Plan varied, age‑appropriate menus that meet allergy, intolerance and dietary needs


• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and environmental health standards


• Keep accurate records including allergens, food temperatures, cleaning schedules and stock control


• Order food supplies and manage stock levels efficiently


• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organised and compliant at all times


• Work closely with the nursery team to support positive mealtime routines


• Provide safe, suitable meals for children with specific dietary requirements

What We're Looking For in our Nursery chef:

• Experience as a chef, cook or catering professional (nursery or school experience desirable)


• Level 2 Food Safety or above


• Strong understanding of allergens and nutrition for young children


• Ability to work independently and manage a busy kitchen


• Excellent organisation, cleanliness and attention to detail