Head Chef

Head Chef - Nursery An established nursery is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Chef to join its friendly and dedicated team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in preparing fresh, nutritious meals from scratch and is passionate about encouraging healthy eating habits among young children.
Previous experience within a nursery, school or similar setting would be beneficial, but it is not essential. Applications are welcomed from candidates with strong catering experience who are comfortable preparing meals in large quantities and who share a genuine commitment to quality, nutrition and food safety.
The nursery prepares meals for up to 80 children and members of staff each day. The successful candidate will be highly organised, capable of managing their own workload and confident taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
The setting holds a 5-star food hygiene rating and places great importance on maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety. The Head Chef must understand the importance of safe food preparation, particularly when catering for children with allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements.
A key part of the role will be ensuring that every child receives safe, nutritious and suitable meals. The successful candidate must have strong knowledge of allergens, cross-contamination, special diets and cultural dietary requirements.
The Head Chef will work within an agreed budget and will be responsible for menu planning, food purchasing, stock control and maintaining a varied and balanced menu.
Support will be provided by a part-time Kitchen Assistant. However, the Head Chef will retain overall responsibility for the kitchen, including its organisation, cleanliness and end-of-day procedures.
Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare fresh, nutritious and balanced meals for children and staff
• Prepare meals from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Oversee the daily operation and organisation of the kitchen
• Manage food ordering, stock levels, purchasing and kitchen budgets
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health and safety
• Ensure all food is stored, prepared and served safely
• Cater safely for allergies, intolerances, special diets and cultural preferences
• Prevent cross-contamination and follow all relevant allergen procedures
• Develop varied, inclusive and age-appropriate menus
• Maintain accurate kitchen, food safety and allergen records
• Work collaboratively with nursery staff
• Communicate appropriately and positively with children
• Support the continued development and improvement of the food service
• Ensure the kitchen is left clean, organised and secure at the end of each day

Essential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• A current Food Hygiene Certificate
• Significant experience preparing a wide range of meals for large groups in a professional or non-domestic kitchen
• A strong understanding of kitchen safety, food hygiene and health and safety requirements
• A thorough understanding of food allergies, intolerances, special diets and allergen management
• The ability to prepare food safely for children with individual dietary requirements
• A clear understanding of cross-contamination risks and how to prevent them
• Experience of menu planning, food ordering, purchasing and stock control
• Good literacy, numeracy and budget-management skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy kitchen independently
• A positive, patient and approachable manner
• A genuine willingness to work in an environment with young children
• The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with colleagues and children
• The ability to successfully complete all required safeguarding and criminal-record checks
• No criminal convictions that would prevent the individual from working with children
• A proactive approach to developing nutritious, varied and culturally inclusive menus

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working within a nursery, school or childcare setting
• Experience preparing meals specifically for babies and young children
• Knowledge of early-years nutrition
• Experience working alongside childcare or education professionals

About the Organisation The organisation is committed to supporting individuals, children and families through high-quality community services, facilities and opportunities.
Its work includes childcare and family support, housing, employment, volunteering, lifelong learning and the development of welcoming spaces where people can live, work and take part in community activities.
The organisation promotes enterprise, creativity and lifelong learning through employment opportunities, volunteering, community programmes and support services.
A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives are also provided, including sport, dance, healthy eating and gardening activities.
Benefits

• 35 days of annual leave, including bank holidays, with a pro-rata entitlement for part-time staff
• 8% contributory pension scheme, consisting of a 5% employer contribution and 3% employee contribution
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to online mental health therapy sessions
• Free gym membership
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Ongoing training and professional development

Contract Permanent
37.5 hours per week
Salary £33,000 per annum