Nursery Kitchen Lead: Fresh, Nutritious Meals for Children

Hedgehog Recruitment Services Ltd; Epsom; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Hedgehog Recruitment Services Ltd is helping a friendly early years setting in Epsom recruit a dedicated Nursery Chef. This full‑time, permanent role runs 7:30am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. You’ll prepare healthy meals for children and maintain a clean, compliant kitchen.

Key tasks include planning age‑appropriate menus, managing allergens and stock, recording temperatures, and working closely with the nursery team to support positive mealtime routines.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or catering professional, nursery or school experience desirable.
• Level 2 Food Safety or higher must be held.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily for children.
• Plan varied, age‑appropriate menus meeting allergies and dietary needs.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Keep accurate records including allergens, temperatures, cleaning schedules and stock.
• Order supplies and manage stock levels.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and compliant.
• Work with the nursery team to support mealtime routines.
• Provide safe meals for children with specific dietary requirements.

Job description

Hedgehog Recruitment Services Ltd is helping a friendly early years setting in Epsom recruit a dedicated Nursery Chef. This full‑time, permanent role runs 7:30am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. You’ll prepare healthy meals for children and maintain a clean, compliant kitchen.

Key tasks include planning age‑appropriate menus, managing allergens and stock, recording temperatures, and working closely with the nursery team to support positive mealtime routines.