Are You Ready to Cook Up Something Wonderful at The WonderWorks?
If you are a creative, caring and qualified chef who wants to make a difference in early childhood, we’d love to hear from you.
The WonderWorks Nursery is looking for a passionate and experienced Nursery Chef to work with our Housekeeper & Kitchen Assistant to prepare healthy, balanced meals for children aged 0–5. This role is key to promoting children’s well-being through nutritious food and a safe, engaging mealtime environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan nursery menus in line with our Nutritional Pledge.
- Adapt menus for allergies, intolerances, and cultural or parental preferences.
- Prepare and cook 'home cooked' meals for our children and staff team .
- Ensure high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
- Manage stock, place orders, and liaise with trusted suppliers.
- Collaborate with the nursery team to support children’s learning about food and nutrition through engaging and interactive activities.
- Support family engagement events.
- Maintain accurate records (allergens, cleaning logs, temperature checks).
- Collaborate with the nursery team to create a nurturing, safe, and educational mealtime environment.
- Follow safeguarding procedures.
- Attend training as required.
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience as a chef, ideally in a nursery or school or similar setting.
- Food hygiene certification (Level 2 or higher).
- Strong understanding of child nutrition and food safety.
- Organised, adaptable, and passionate about healthy eating.
Why Work With Us:
- Help shape healthy habits from an early age.
- Be part of a friendly, supportive, and values-driven company.
- Opportunities to contribute to events, workshops, and special projects.
Working Hours and location:
- The WonderWorks, Leavesden, WD25
- 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday
- We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible or job-share arrangements, where possible.
The WonderWorks is committed to building an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, including those who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, or have a disability. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process – if you require any, please let us know.
This role involves working with children and is subject to mandatory safer recruitment checks. These include obtaining an enhanced DBS check and at least two references. Please note The WonderWorks is committed to keeping all children safe and the successful candidate will receive a comprehensive induction program including online safeguarding and child protection training, food hygiene training and other health and safety training. The WonderWorks will cover the cost of these safer recruitment checks and training.
- Full-Time, Permanent
- Training and wellbeing support
- Free gym membership
- Private healthcare (opt in after probation)
- Company pension (opt in after probation)
- Company sick pay (opt in after probation)
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,611.88 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Catering- Nursery, education or care settings: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
