Nursery Cook/Chef

Childbase Partnership; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,330 - 31,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave: 23 days paid per year

Childcare discount: 75% discount on fees

Wellbeing support: Free meals and health services

Job summary

Escrick Preschool is looking for a Nursery Cook to prepare healthy meals for up to 124 children. The ideal candidate will have professional catering experience, extensive knowledge of hygiene regulations, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff. Responsibilities include managing food hygiene compliance and maintaining high standards of meal preparation. The role is permanent, offering 37.5 hours per week, along with generous annual leave and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare a range of foods from a set menu.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to uphold 5-star hygiene standards.
• Knowledge of Food Hygiene training compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wholesome meals from a set menu using fresh ingredients.
• Ensure 5-star hygiene standards by applying legislation.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Manager to manage the kitchen budget.

Skills

Professional catering experience

Knowledge of COSHH and allergens

Attention to detail

Communication and mentoring skills

Job description

Job Title

Nursery Cook – catering for up to 124 children aged 6 weeks–5 years old.

Location & Working Hours

Garsington Road Day Nursery, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2DQ. Permanent, 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Varied shifts Monday–Friday between 07:30‑18:30.

Salary

£25,330.50‑£31,200 per annum (pro‑rata) | £12.99‑£16.00 per hour.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid per year (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Work‑life balance: Up to an additional 20 paid days off per year through Our Partnership Reward Days incentive; days can be taken or sold tax‑free.
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
• Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
• Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wholesome, healthy meals and finise meals from a set‑menu using fresh ingredients, providing suitable alternatives for children with allergies and dietary requirements.
• Ensure 5‑star hygiene standards by applying COSHH, allergen, manual handling and environmental health legislation and maintaining Food Hygiene training compliance.
• Safeguard the well‑being and dietary needs of every child, promoting healthy eating education.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Manager to manage the kitchen budget, build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents, and lead and mentor the Kitchen Assistant.

Qualifications & Skills

• Professional catering experience with ability to prepare a range of foods from a set menu.
• Knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling, environmental health legislation and Food Hygiene training.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to uphold 5‑star hygiene standards.
• Advocate for safeguarding and able to ensure children’s well‑being and dietary needs.
• Collaborative approach, strong communication and mentoring skills.

EEO & Equality Statement

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.

Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.