Nursery Chef
We Are Recruiting:
Our award winning nursery group is looking for a passionate and dedicated Chef to prepare fresh and nutritious meals for the children at our wonderful 90 place nursery in High Wycombe.
Position: Nursery Chef
Hours: 40 hours per week (8am-5pm), all year round
Salary: £31,500 per annum
About Our Nursery:
We are a family-run business with over 25 years of experience and eight beautiful nurseries across Buckinghamshire and West London. Our High Wycombe setting is especially close to our hearts – a truly unique nursery nestled in the heart of the community. Celebrating its 6th birthday in 2025, the nursery was lovingly transformed into a vibrant early year setting by our founders, Olivia and Tim. Thoughtfully designed with stunning rooms, exceptional resources, and exciting outdoor gardens, the nursery is a place where curiosity, creativity, and joy come to life.
The ongoing development of the nursery is a priority, with generous budgets for resources, enrichment activities, and creative projects which our dedicated maintenance team work closely with the nursery staff to bring inspiring ideas to life for the children.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary with regular reviews
- Workplace pension
- Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
- Extra Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift *
- Bupa health care package *
- Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
- 50% discounted childcare fees *
- FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
- Retail discounts
- Free welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
- Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery *
- Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery.
*terms and conditions apply & details are shared in employee welcome pack
What we are looking for:
· Current (Level 2 +) Food Hygiene & First Aid
· Knowledge of allergens & demonstrable experience managing allergies & dietary requirements
· Experience in managing HACCP food controls
· Recognised Catering Qualification
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
· Good communication skills, patience & passion
· Friendly & flexible approach at work, which facilitates the development of effective relationships
· Previous experience working with young children would be desirable
You will be responsible for:
- Running the kitchen on a day to day basis
- Preparing and cooking fresh food for snacks, lunch and tea
- Implementing the daily routine of cleaning and cooking
- Monitoring, registering and maintaining appliance temperatures and charts
- Following menus – adhering to the recipe/ingredients list accordingly
- Liaising with staff/manager regarding children’s allergies, dietary requirements/preferences
- Working within the foody hygiene standards and relevant health & safety regulations
- Ensuring adequate records are kept and updated regularly
- To cover in the absence of the Chef at our other nursery settings when required
Apply Now!
Join our award-winning, family-run nursery group at our beautiful High Wycombe setting. Be part of a passionate team that’s making a real difference in children’s lives every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce.
Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This is in line with updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 Guidance. Safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure Barring Scheme check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: £31,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- High Wycombe HP11 1TJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience managing allergies and dietary requirements?
- Do you hold a recognised Catering Qualification?
- Do you have previous experience within a nursery/school/childcare setting?
- Are you able to work full-time (40 hours per week) Mon-Fri, all year round?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
