Overview
Job Purpose
To prepare, cook, and serve healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals and snacks for children attending the nursery. The Nursery Cook is responsible for maintaining high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness while supporting children's dietary, cultural, and medical requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with nursery menus and nutritional guidelines.
- Cater for children with allergies, intolerances, cultural, and special dietary requirements.
- Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served safely in line with food hygiene regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and hygienic kitchen environment at all times.
- Monitor food stock levels and order supplies as required within the agreed budget.
- Check deliveries and ensure food is stored correctly.
- Maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and allergen information.
- Follow Health and Safety, Food Safety, and HACCP procedures.
- Dispose of waste appropriately and promote environmentally responsible practices where possible.
- Work collaboratively with nursery staff to ensure meal times are positive and enjoyable for children.
- Participate in training and staff meetings as required.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Experience of preparing meals in a commercial kitchen, school, nursery, or similar setting.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety legislation.
- Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
- Understanding of children's nutritional needs.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience working in an early years or childcare setting.
- Knowledge of allergy management and special dietary requirements.
- First Aid qualification.
- Relevant catering or hospitality qualification.
Working Conditions
- Working in a busy nursery kitchen environment.
- Standing for extended periods and lifting food deliveries and kitchen equipment where appropriate.
- Wearing appropriate protective clothing and following infection prevention procedures.
Safeguarding
The Nursery Cook has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be expected to follow the nursery's safeguarding policies and procedures and will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references before employment.
Equal Opportunities
The nursery is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
