Nursery Chef– Join Lily Pad Day Nursery
Lily Pad Day Nursery is looking for a passionate and reliable Nursery Chef to join our friendly team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing nutritious, high-quality meals and wants to make a positive difference in children’s health, wellbeing, and development every day.
Job Details
- Position: Nursery Chef
- Location: Lily Pad Day Nursery
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- (9:00am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)
- Salary: £27,300 per annum
- Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Start Date: 18th June 2026
As our Nursery Chef, you will be responsible for preparing healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. You will play an important role in promoting healthy eating habits while ensuring all dietary, allergy, and cultural requirements are carefully met.
Key Responsibilities, Food Preparation & Kitchen Management
- Prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily
- Plan balanced and varied menus suitable for young children
- Support food ordering, stock control, and shopping lists
- Ensure meals are presented to a high standard and served on time
- Maintain accurate kitchen records, including temperature and cleaning logs
Hygiene & Food Safety
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment
- Follow all food hygiene, health, and safety regulations
- Ensure correct food storage, labelling, and stock rotation
- Clean and maintain kitchen equipment and utensils appropriately
Supporting Children’s Wellbeing
- Cater for allergies, dietary requirements, and cultural preferences
- Promote healthy eating and positive mealtime experiences
- Support children’s learning through occasional cooking activities
Teamwork & Communication
- Work closely with nursery staff and management
- Attend staff meetings and relevant training sessions
- Contribute ideas for menu planning and continuous improvement
- Liaise with external agencies and suppliers where required
Administration & Compliance
- Complete all required documentation and kitchen checks
- Follow nursery policies, procedures, and dress code standards
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding and food safety requirements
Requirements
- Minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
- At least 1 year of cooking or kitchen experience
- Good understanding of food safety and nutrition
- Strong organisational and teamwork skills
- Willingness to complete additional training, including Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding
Desirable
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Previous chef or nursery cook experience
Benefits
- Additional annual leave
- Company events
- Company pension scheme
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Store discounts
If you are enthusiastic about cooking and want to play an important role in supporting children’s health and development, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and become part of the Lily Pad Day Nursery team!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Experience:
- Cooking: 1 year (preferred)
- Kitchen: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
