Nursery Chef Assistant - Old Kent Road Nursery - PT Tues-Thu 11.30AM-2.30PM

London Early Years Foundation; City Of London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A childcare organization is seeking a Nursery Chef Assistant in Southwark to help prepare meals and engage children in cooking activities. The role offers part-time hours with generous benefits including a salary uplift for training completion, sociable hours, and significant discounts on childcare fees. Experience working with children and a positive attitude are essential.

Benefits

£1,000 salary uplift for Chef Academy course completion

70% discount on childcare fees

Up to 35 days off a year

Generous pension plan

Extensive training and promotion opportunities

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to complete the Food Hygiene Level 2 course in the first week of work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist with nutritious meals for children.
• Support cooking and food-related activities for children.
• Manage kitchen operations and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with allergy policies.
• Collaborate with the nursery team and share best practices.

Skills

Positive attitude

Enthusiasm for working with children

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Nursery Chef Assistant – Part Time (9hrs per week – Tues‑Thu 11.30AM‑2.30PM)

Location: Southwark, SE15
Pay: £12.21 per hour + benefits

About the Role

Work in a friendly kitchen and enjoy working with children every day. Assist the nursery chef in preparing nutritious meals, engage children in cooking and food‑related activities, and help manage the kitchen and suppliers. Maintain a healthy environment and ensure food safety for children with allergies. Collaborate with the wider nursery team and contribute to the LEYF chef community by sharing ideas and recipes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist with nutritious meals for children.
• Support cooking and food‑related activities for the children.
• Manage kitchen operations and suppliers, ensuring a healthy and safe environment.
• Ensure compliance with allergy policies and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with the nursery team and share best practices with the LEYF chef community.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Right to work in the UK.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for working with children.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent, or willingness to complete the course in the first week of work (paid by LEYF).

Benefits

• £1,000 salary uplift for completing the Chef Academy course (for 40‑hour week qualified chefs).
• Sociable hours – no evenings or weekends.
• Extensive training, promotion opportunities, and a nurturing work environment.
• Generous pension: 7% from employer, 1% from employee.
• 70% discount on childcare fees.
• Up to 35 days off a year, including 8 bank holidays, 3 days off between Christmas and New Year, and a birthday day (pro‑rated for part‑time hours).
• Sector‑leading parental leave.
• Wellbeing app access, shopping discounts, annual conference, and funds for team celebrations.

About the Nursery

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Bird in Bush Nursery and Pre‑School provides Early Years education and care to children from birth to 5 years old. Located in Peckham, close to South Bermondsey station, the nursery features a spacious, airy setting with separate rooms for different age groups and two gardens. Children enjoy science experiments, construction, messy arts play, gardening, cooking, and more.

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