Nursery Cook

Pure Care Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent nursery in Greater London is seeking a passionate Nursery Cook to prepare healthy meals for children. This role involves managing the kitchen independently, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, and complying with health regulations. Ideal candidates will have experience in food preparation and good knowledge of food hygiene. The position offers a supportive working environment with excellent work-life balance and competitive salary up to £28,000, depending on experience.

Benefits

Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Ongoing staff training opportunities

4 weeks paid annual leave

Paid day off on birthday

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering role, ideally within a nursery or similar setting.
• Understanding of dietary requirements and food safety regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage kitchen responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook healthy meals and snacks for children.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards in the kitchen.
• Manage stock control and kitchen budgets.

Skills

Cooking nutritious meals

Food hygiene knowledge

Organisational skills

Effective communication

Job description

We are delighted to invite applications for a Nursery Cook to join our warm, welcoming, and newly refurbished independent nursery. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and reliable cook who enjoys preparing nutritious meals for young children and taking pride in running a kitchen independently.

As our Nursery Cook, you will have sole responsibility for the kitchen, providing freshly prepared meals and snacks each day for up to 45 children. You will play a vital role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and development by creating balanced, appetising menus that meet nutritional guidelines and accommodate dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking healthy, age-appropriate meals and snacks
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with food safety regulations
• Managing food ordering, stock control, and kitchen budgets
• Ensuring compliance with all health and safety and allergy procedures
• Creating a calm, organised, and efficient kitchen environment
• Working independently while communicating effectively with nursery staff and management

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm, offering excellent work–life balance with no evenings or weekends.

Salary

Up to £28,000, depending on experience.

What We Offer

• A wonderful, highly qualified team and extremely supportive management
• A small, independent nursery with a friendly and family-focused atmosphere
• Small class sizes, allowing a truly child-centred approach
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Ongoing staff training and development opportunities
• 4 weeks’ paid annual leave, plus an additional paid day for every year of service
• An extra paid day off on your birthday

We are looking for someone who is organised, caring, and takes pride in their work. Previous experience in a similar role and a good understanding of food hygiene are desirable.

If you are passionate about good food and making a positive difference in children’s early years, we would love to hear from you.