Nursery Chef

Kindred Nurseries; Leicester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

Career development opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Kindred Nurseries in the United Kingdom is seeking a Nursery Chef to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for children and maintain a welcoming kitchen environment. You will follow Kindred menus, support dietary needs and help children enjoy mealtimes as part of their learning.

You will work to high hygiene standards, complete daily cleaning, manage supplies and support safeguarding requirements. A friendly approach and teamwork are valued, with nursery experience being desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate clearly with staff, families and children.
• Ability to organise workload and maintain records.
• Solid understanding of food safety and PPE practices.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities in early years settings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals in line with Kindred menus and health guidelines.
• cater for dietary requirements and allergies safely with suitable alternatives.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen following health standards.
• Complete daily cleaning schedules and keep accurate kitchen records.
• Serve meals in line with nursery routines.
• Assist with laundry duties when required.
• Monitor supplies and report needs or reorder as necessary.
• Follow health and safety policies and safeguarding requirements at all times.
• Create positive, homely mealtime experiences for children.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Participate in staff meetings and nursery events.

Skills

Strong communication

Organisation

Attention to detail

Food safety knowledge

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Join the Kindred Family – A Place to Grow, Thrive and Make a Difference
At Kindred, we’re passionate about giving children the very best start in life while creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported and inspired.
Are you passionate about food, nutrition and creating warm, homely mealtime experiences for young children? Join Kindred as a Nursery Chef and play a key role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and development through nutritious, freshly prepared meals.
Want to know what it’s really like to work at Kindred?
Visit our Why Work With Us page to explore our benefits, career development opportunities and discover why so many of our colleagues choose to grow their careers with us.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our Nursery Chef, you’ll create healthy, nutritious meals while maintaining a safe, welcoming kitchen environment. Your role will make a real difference to children’s daily experiences by providing enjoyable mealtimes that support their learning and development.
You will:

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals in line with Kindred menus and Safer Food Better Business guidance.

• Ensure all children’s dietary requirements and allergies are catered for safely, providing suitable alternatives where required.

• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen, following food hygiene and health & safety standards.

• Complete daily cleaning schedules and maintain accurate kitchen records.

• Serve meals in line with nursery routines.

• Manage laundry duties where required.

• Monitor food, kitchen and cleaning supplies, reporting or ordering replacements as needed.

• Use appropriate signage to identify potential hazards and maintain a safe working environment

• Follow Kindred’s Health & Safety policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements at all times.

• Create positive, homely mealtime experiences for children.

• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.

• Participate in staff meetings, training and nursery events.

• What You’ll Need

• Essential:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• A friendly, positive approach when working with children, families and colleagues.

• A good understanding of food safety, health & safety and safeguarding responsibilities.

• Desirable

• Previous experience working as a Nursery Chef or within an early years or childcare setting.

• Knowledge of Safer Food Better Business and COSHH guidance

• Why You’ll Love Working at Kindred

• Supportive Culture: Built on strong relationships, teamwork and a genuine sense of belonging.

• Career Development: Access to ongoing training, learning opportunities and career progression.

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy structured working hours and a supportive working environment.

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Competitive salaries, regularly benchmarked, alongside a generous benefits package.

• Award-Winning Family: Join a company that values recognition, personal growth and team success.

• More than 9 out of 10 of our colleagues would recommend Kindred as a great place to work.

• What Happens Next?

• Initial video interview.

• Face-to-face interview at the nursery.

• Safer recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS check and qualification verification.

• Our Commitment to Safeguarding

• Kindred is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and qualification verification, in line with our safeguarding policy.