Nursery Chef

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Lewisham; Remote; GBP 19,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Nursery Chef to join a childcare setting in Lewisham. Plan and prepare meals for children from 3 months to pre-school, ensuring nutrition, allergen management and safety compliance. Experience in nursery, school or similar setting is essential.

The role is 40 hours per week with daytime hours, no evenings, in a home-from-home kitchen environment. You will manage menu planning, stock and liaise with nursery staff on dietary needs.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a Chef in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of child nutrition and food allergens.
• Ability to manage a kitchen independently.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Relevant food hygiene certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare balanced meals for children across different age groups
• Manage dietary requirements, allergies, and nutritional standards
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all times
• Order and manage kitchen stock and supplies
• Work independently to organise daily kitchen operations
• Liaise with nursery staff regarding children’s dietary needs

Skills

Nursery Chef experience

Nutrition knowledge

Allergen handling

Kitchen independence

Food hygiene

Education

Food hygiene certificate

Job description

Nursery Chef

Salary: Up to £31,000 per annum

40 hours per week

Our client has an exciting opportunity for an experience Chef to join their growing early years setting – They provide care for children aged 3 months to pre-school. The nursery offers a home-from-home environment with a clear focus on learning through play.

We’re looking for an experienced chef who has experience working in childcare or education settings, and who can manage nutrition, allergens, and meal planning independently.

What You’ll Need:

• Experience working as a Chef in a nursery, school, or similar setting
• Strong understanding of child nutrition and food allergens
• Ability to manage a kitchen independently
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
• Relevant food hygiene certification

Why This Role Is Worth Considering:

• Daytime working hours with no evening or late-night shifts
• Stable, routine-based kitchen environment
• Clear responsibility for menu planning and kitchen management
• Pension scheme included
• Annual leave increases with length of service
• DBS check provided at no cost

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and prepare balanced meals for children across different age groups
• Manage dietary requirements, allergies, and nutritional standards
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all times
• Order and manage kitchen stock and suppliesWork independently to organise daily kitchen operations
• Liaise with nursery staff regarding children’s dietary needs

Safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check.

Reference: WILL272136/DN