Nursery Chef

Job Title: Nursery Chef / Cook

Reports To: Nursery Manager & Deputy Manager

Location: [Confidential Setting]

Job Purpose

To plan, prepare, and deliver healthy, fresh, and nutritionally balanced meals for children while maintaining the highest standards of kitchen hygiene, safety, and regulatory compliance .

Key Responsibilities

1. Meal Preparation & Menu Planning

• Prepare fresh breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks daily, ensuring age-appropriate texturing (e.g., purees for babies) and correct portioning .
  

• Catering for individual dietary requirements, allergies, and religious preferences in collaboration with parents and staff .
  

• Follow set weekly menus incorporating at least two vegetable portions per main meal, and contribute ideas to menu reviews .
  

• Prepare food and refreshments for special events, celebrations, and training days .
  

• Host weekly cooking sessions with the children .
  

2. Kitchen Operations & Stock Control

• Source cost-effective, high-quality provisions from trusted suppliers and manage weekly orders .
  

• Inspect deliveries, manage stock rotation, and ensure correct food storage/dating to minimize waste .
  

• Probe and record food temperatures to guarantee safe serving standards .
  

3. Hygiene, Health & Safety

• Maintain exemplary hygiene standards across all kitchen, food preparation, and storage areas .
  

• Adhere strictly to daily cleaning rotas, schedules, and equipment maintenance .
  

• Follow food safety legislation, wear appropriate uniform/hair coverings, and uphold company standards during Environmental Health inspections .
  

4. Record Keeping & Compliance

• Complete daily checks for fridge, freezer, and water temperatures, maintaining all statutory logbooks .
  

• Submit monthly milk counts and ensure accurate handover records for cover staff .
  

• Maintain an up-to-date Basic Food Hygiene certificate and complete required continuous professional development (CPD) .
  

5. Teamwork & Professionalism

• Foster positive working relationships, support colleagues, and contribute to an enjoyable environment .
  

• Attend mandatory training days (3 times per year) and active staff meetings .
  

• Maintain strict confidentiality and represent the organization professionally .
  

Benefits & Perks

• Professional Development: Paid ongoing training, continuous professional development (CPD) support, and 3 dedicated company training days per year .
  

• Work-Life Balance: Structured daytime nursery shifts with predictable hours (no late nights) and clear sickness notification policies .
  

• Supportive Environment: Collaborative workplace culture focused on teamwork, respect, and staff well-being .
  

• Creative Freedom: Opportunities to contribute to menu design, seasonal event planning, and interactive cooking sessions with children .