Nursery Chef

Odin Recruitment Group; Willenhall; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A childcare recruitment agency is seeking Nursery Chefs/Cooks across multiple sites in the North of England. Candidates will prepare nutritious meals while maintaining high hygiene standards and working with nursery leaders. Competitive hourly rates up to £12.21, with both part-time and full-time options available. Join a supportive team making a difference in children's early development.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Supportive teams

Paid breaks

Company benefits and pension

Qualifications

• Professional cooking experience (nursery/school catering preferred).
• Food Hygiene / Food Safety certification (Level 2+ preferred).
• Strong understanding of allergen management and special diets.
• Menu planning skills, great organisation and calm under pressure.
• A team-player mindset and a genuine love of cooking for children.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain) and Right to Work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Plan balanced, seasonal menus in line with dietary needs.
• Cook fresh, child-friendly meals daily.
• Maintain top-tier food safety & hygiene standards.
• Manage stock, budget and supplier relationships.
• Work closely with nursery leaders to support mealtimes.
• Keep accurate records and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Professional cooking experience

Food Hygiene Certification

Understanding of allergen management

Menu planning skills

Team-player mindset

Love of cooking for children

Job description

Overview

Nursery Chef / Nursery Cook (Early Years) - Multiple Roles Across the North

Locations: Multiple sites across the North of England (Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Yorkshire & North East)

Hours: Part-time and full-time options available (typical part-time pattern: Mon-Fri, 1-5pm / 20 hrs).

Pay: Up to £12.21 per hour (site dependent) + benefits

Contract: Permanent and fixed-term roles available

Start: ASAP (interviews ongoing)

About the role

Our client is seeking warm, organised and creative Nursery Chefs/Cooks to bring genuine culinary care to early years settings. You\'ll plan and prepare fresh, nutritious, allergy-aware meals and snacks that introduce little ones to a variety of flavours — all while keeping the kitchen compliant, efficient and sparkling.

Responsibilities

• Plan balanced, seasonal menus in line with dietary needs, allergies and cultural requirements.
• Cook fresh, child-friendly meals daily (think colourful veg, fun presentation, and nutritious portions).
• Maintain top-tier food safety & hygiene standards (HACCP, temperature logs, cleaning schedules).
• Manage stock, budget and supplier relationships; minimise waste and champion sustainability.
• Work closely with nursery leaders to support mealtimes as a positive, social part of the day.
• Keep accurate records and ensure full compliance with safeguarding and food regulations.

Qualifications

• Professional cooking experience (nursery/school catering preferred).
• Food Hygiene / Food Safety certification (Level 2+ preferred).
• Strong understanding of allergen management and special diets.
• Menu planning skills, great organisation and calm under pressure.
• A team-player mindset and a genuine love of cooking for children.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain) and Right to Work in the UK.

What\'s on offer

• Competitive hourly rate (up to £12.21/hr, site dependent).
• Supportive teams, paid breaks (where offered), company benefits and pension (site dependent).
• Regular peer support and opportunities to share best practice across sites.
• Real impact — help to build healthy habits and joyful mealtimes for little ones.

Locations & patterns

Locations include Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the North East. Patterns include part-time (e.g., 1-5pm, Mon-Fri) and full-time depending on site needs.

How to apply

Click Apply Now with your CV. If shortlisted, we'll contact you to discuss your preferred location, hours and start date, and align you with the best-fit site.

Odin Childcare Recruitment - proudly supporting early years settings across the North