Regional Early Years Chef

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; St. Day; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary included: £35,000 per annum

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Chingford Day Nursery & Preschool is seeking an experienced Early Years Chef to prepare, cook and present nutritious meals for children, minimising waste and meeting dietary needs. You will lead cookery activities and assist with nursery events.

Evidence of Food Safety Level 2+ and COSHH awareness is required from day one. The role is based at Chingford Nursery with travel within the division and a UK driving license is essential.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in domestic or commercial settings.
• Passion for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food Safety Level 2 or above (or equivalent) required on day 1.
• Knowledge of COSHH and safe food handling.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present age-appropriate meals for nursery children.
• Lead cookery club sessions with children.
• Support nursery activities such as BBQs, fetes and staff meetings.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition awareness

Allergy knowledge

Communication skills

Pressure management

Tools

Food Safety Level 2+

COSHH knowledge

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Chingford Day Nursery & Preschool, 76 Station Road, Chingford, London, E4 7BA

Salary – £35,000 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours - Full time, 40 hours, Monday - Friday

Location – Chingford and surrounding areas

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: "I did that."

We’re looking for a Regional Early Years Chef to join our London and East division. The role will be predominantly based at our Chingford Nursery, with travel required across the division to cover sickness and annual leave. For this role, a UK driving license is essential.

Our Benefits

• £35,000 per annum
• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs*

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age‑appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
• Sound knowledge of COSHH
• Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
• Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006,

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.