Nursery Chef & Kitchen Garden Lead
Full-time | £26,000 to £28,000 per annum | Tattenhall, Cheshire
Start date: November 2026 | Nursery opens January 2027
Little Oaks is a new independent day nursery opening in Tattenhall in January 2027, caring for children aged 0 to 5. We are looking for a Nursery Cook to join us in November and be part of the kitchen set up, supporting us with Environmental Health and help establish our growing programme, sourcing local produce to use to create nutritious meals the children will love.
Food matters to us well beyond nutrition. We want children to be given opportunities to grow their own produce in the nursery's outdoor beds, harvest it, and help prepare it for their own meals. The role has two sides: running a nursery kitchen to a high standard and taking part in what children are learning outside it.
The kitchen is being designed and fitted. Starting before we open means you will be involved in the setup, the systems, the menus and the way it runs.
The role
- Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily for children aged 0 to 5.
- Plan seasonal, balanced and nutritious menus in line with the EYFS nutrition guidance, children's developmental needs and what is growing in the nursery.
- Follow and help maintain robust allergen, dietary and special-diet procedures, including accurate ingredient and allergen records, allergy action plans and controls to prevent cross-contact.
- Prepare and serve food appropriately for children's ages, individual developmental stages and dietary needs, following EYFS guidance on safer eating and choking prevention.
- Maintain food hygiene and HACCP standards to Environmental Health requirements.
- Order supplies, rotate stock and keep waste low.
- Keep the kitchen clean, safe and well organised throughout the day.
- Grow produce in the nursery's outdoor beds, from planning through to harvest.
- Involve children in age-appropriate growing activities and simple supervised cooking sessions.
- A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities when working with young children, with willingness to complete Little Oaks' safeguarding training.
- Work with the Nursery Manager so that food routines fit the rhythm of the day.
You will run the kitchen independently, but you will be part of the wider nursery team.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Previous experience as a cook in a nursery, school, care or similar setting.
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification, or equivalent, to be completed before starting food preparation.
- Strong understanding of allergen management and safe kitchen practice.
- Confidence cooking for groups and managing a kitchen independently.
Desirable
- Experience catering for allergies and special diets.
- Interest or experience in gardening and growing food.
- Confidence engaging with young children.
Above all, we are looking for someone organised and reliable who takes real pride in the food they serve.
What we offer
Time off. 25 days holiday, all eight bank holidays, your birthday, and a paid week's closure at Christmas. Two bank holidays fall within that week, so it comes to around 37 days a year. We are deliberately generous, because we want people who are well rested and fully engaged when they are here.
- 50% discount on childcare fees for your own children
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Enhanced DBS and required training paid for
- The chance to be part of setting up the kitchen and growing programme from the start helping us develop our Nursery.
Safeguarding
Little Oaks Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, identity and suitability checks and satisfactory references.
How to apply
Send your CV and a short covering letter explaining why the role interests you and how your experience fits. We are happy to arrange an informal conversation beforehand if that would help and arrangements can be made for you to see the nursery and the vision that Elizabeth (owner) has for it.
Pay: £26,000.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- managing food allergies and special dietary requirements: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2 Food Safety/Food Hygiene qualification? (preferred)
Work Location: In person
