About The Forest Tree Nursery
The Forest Tree Nursery provides a warm, nurturing and child-centred environment for babies and young children.
We are committed to supporting children’s health, wellbeing and development by providing nutritious, balanced and enjoyable meals and snacks. We cater for children with a range of dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences and individual needs.
Food hygiene rating: 5 stars.
Purpose of the Role
The Nursery Cook will be responsible for preparing and serving healthy, nutritious and age-appropriate meals and snacks for children attending the nursery.
The successful candidate will maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and safety while ensuring that all dietary requirements, allergies and food preferences are followed carefully.
The cook will work closely with the Nursery Manager and nursery team to plan menus, manage food supplies and provide meals that support children’s healthy growth and development.
Key Responsibilities: Food Preparation and Cooking
- Prepare fresh, healthy and balanced meals and snacks for babies and young children.
- Follow the nursery’s approved menus and portion guidance.
- Prepare food that is suitable for the different ages and stages of the children.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served at the correct times.
- Adapt meals safely for children with allergies, intolerances, medical diets, cultural requirements or religious dietary needs.
- Prepare meals with appropriate textures, including puréed, mashed and chopped food where required.
- Ensure food is presented in an appealing and child-friendly manner.
- Support the nursery in providing varied menus that encourage children to try different foods.
Allergies and Dietary Requirements
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of every child’s allergy and dietary information.
- Follow the nursery’s allergy-management procedures at all times.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils, equipment and preparation areas where required.
- Check food labels and ingredients carefully before use.
- Ensure allergy meals are clearly identified and served to the correct child.
- Communicate immediately with the Nursery Manager if there are any concerns regarding food ingredients or dietary information.
- Never provide a child with food unless their dietary requirements have been confirmed.
Food Hygiene and Safety
- Follow all food hygiene, health and safety and infection-control procedures.
- Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and wear suitable protective clothing.
- Complete and record fridge, freezer and food temperatures accurately.
- Ensure food is cooked, reheated, cooled and stored at safe temperatures.
- Check use-by and best-before dates regularly.
- Label and date opened, prepared and stored food correctly.
- Keep raw and cooked foods stored separately.
- Report faulty equipment, pest concerns or food-safety risks immediately.
- Follow the nursery’s procedures for food recalls and contaminated products.
Kitchen Cleaning
- Keep the kitchen, food-preparation areas and storage areas clean and organised.
- Clean and sanitise work surfaces, utensils, appliances and equipment.
- Wash and store kitchen equipment safely.
- Complete daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
- Ensure bins are emptied and food waste is disposed of appropriately.
- Maintain clean floors, sinks, cupboards, fridges and freezers.
- Ensure cleaning products are stored securely and away from children and food.
- Follow COSHH procedures when using cleaning substances.
Menu Planning
- Work with the Nursery Manager to develop healthy and varied seasonal menus.
- Ensure menus meet the nutritional needs of young children.
- Include a suitable balance of fruit, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and dairy or appropriate alternatives.
- Consider children’s cultural and religious dietary requirements when planning meals.
- Support the nursery’s healthy-eating approach.
- Provide menu and allergen information when requested.
- Make appropriate menu substitutions when ingredients are unavailable, ensuring allergens are reviewed.
Stock Control and Ordering
- Monitor food supplies and kitchen stock.
- Prepare food-ordering lists and submit them to the Nursery Manager.
- Receive and check food deliveries.
- Ensure deliveries are stored quickly and safely.
- Rotate stock using the first-in, first-out method.
- Minimise food waste while ensuring sufficient food is available for all children.
- Inform management of any shortages or concerns before meal preparation.
- Keep food purchasing within the agreed nursery budget.
Safeguarding
- Understand and follow the nursery’s safeguarding and child-protection policies.
- Maintain professional boundaries with children, families and colleagues.
- Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Ensure knives, hot equipment, cleaning products and other hazardous items are secured away from children.
- Follow safer working practices when children are near the kitchen or food-serving areas.
Teamwork and Communication
- Communicate professionally with nursery staff regarding meals, allergies and dietary needs.
- Inform room staff of any menu changes.
- Work cooperatively with the Nursery Manager and wider nursery team.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions and training where required.
- Respond positively to feedback and food-quality monitoring.
- Support nursery celebrations, events and special meals when required.
- Carry out other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person SpecificationEssential Requirements
The successful candidate must:
- Have experience preparing and cooking meals.
- Have a good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
- Understand the importance of allergies and preventing cross-contamination.
- Be able to prepare healthy meals for babies and young children.
- Be organised, reliable and able to manage time effectively.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Have good communication skills.
- Be able to follow written menus, instructions and food-safety procedures.
- Be physically able to carry out kitchen duties, including standing, lifting and cleaning.
- Be willing to complete an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment checks.
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable Requirements
It would be beneficial for applicants to have:
- A Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification.
- Previous experience working as a cook in a nursery, school, care setting or similar environment.
- Knowledge of early years nutrition and portion sizes.
- Experience preparing meals for children with allergies or specialist diets.
- Knowledge of Safer Food, Better Business procedures.
- Training in allergen awareness.
- First-aid training.
- Experience completing kitchen records and temperature checks.
Skills and Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, professional and approachable.
- Calm and organised.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Clean and hygienic in their working practices.
- Careful and attentive to detail.
- Confident managing multiple dietary requirements.
- Passionate about healthy eating.
- Able to work effectively under pressure.
- Committed to providing high-quality meals for children.
- Respectful of different cultures, faiths and dietary practices.
Safeguarding Statement
The Forest Tree Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, identity checks, references, right-to-work checks and verification of employment history and qualifications.
Equality and Inclusion
The Forest Tree Nursery is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the Nursery Cook. It is not an exhaustive list, and the employee may be required to undertake other reasonable duties that are appropriate to the role and the needs of the nursery.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
