Job Description – Nursery Cook
Job Title: Nursery Cook
Hours:
- Option 1: 1 Full-Time Cook
- Option 2: 2 Part-Time Cooks (approx. 2.5 days each)
Responsible to: Nursery Manager
Purpose of the Role
To plan, prepare, and provide safe, nutritious, and balanced meals for children in line with Setting the Table (NHS Scotland) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance, ensuring high standards of hygiene, safety, and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities1. Meal Planning and Nutrition (Setting the Table)
- Plan menus in line with Setting the Table guidance, ensuring meals are:
- Balanced and nutritious
- Age-appropriate
- Varied across the week
- Provide appropriate portion sizes for different age groups
- Ensure meals meet dietary, cultural, and allergy requirements
- Promote healthy eating habits and positive food experiences
2. Food Preparation and Cooking
- Prepare and cook fresh meals daily
- Ensure food is presented in an appealing and appropriate way for children
- Follow safe food handling practices at all times
- Ensure food is served at safe temperatures
- Maintain consistency in food quality and standards
3. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
- Follow all IPC procedures in line with Health Protection Scotland guidance
- Maintain strict hand hygiene at all times
- Prevent cross-contamination (e.g., raw and cooked food separation)
- Use colour-coded equipment where applicable
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces, equipment, and utensils regularly
- Ensure safe storage of food (fridge/freezer temperature checks recorded daily)
- Follow exclusion periods if unwell (e.g., sickness/diarrhoea policy)
4. Kitchen Hygiene and Safety
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules
- Ensure all equipment is clean, safe, and well maintained
- Safely store cleaning products and food items
- Carry out and record temperature checks (food, fridges, freezers)
- Follow Food Hygiene and HACCP procedures
5. Allergens and Dietary Needs
- Maintain accurate records of allergies and dietary requirements
- Ensure strict allergen management and avoidance of cross-contact
- Clearly label and store allergen-free foods
- Communicate effectively with staff regarding children’s needs
6. Record Keeping and Compliance
- Maintain kitchen records, including:
- Temperature logs
- Cleaning schedules
- Food delivery and storage checks
- Ensure compliance with Environmental Health requirements
- Support inspections and audits
7. Working with the Nursery Team
- Communicate daily menus and any changes with staff
- Support staff understanding of meal routines and dietary needs
- Be flexible to support nursery needs where appropriate
- Maintain a positive and professional approach
8. Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Promote a safe and nurturing environment for children
- Support children’s wellbeing through positive food experiences
Role Structure OptionsOption A: Full-Time Cook
- Responsible for full weekly menu planning, preparation, and kitchen management
- Oversees all compliance, records, and kitchen organisation
Option B: Two Part-Time Cooks (Job Share)
- Each cook works approximately 2.5 days
- Shared responsibilities include:
- Menu consistency
- Handover communication
- Record keeping
- Clear communication required to maintain consistency and standards
Person Specification Essential
- Experience in a kitchen is essential
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safe food handling
- Understanding of children’s nutritional needs
- Ability to follow Setting the Table guidance
- Good organisational skills
- Reliable and able to work independently
- PVG check (or willingness to obtain)
Desirable
- Food Hygiene Certificate
- Experience working in a childcare or school setting
- Knowledge of allergens and special dietary requirements
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From £13.45 per hour
Work Location: In person
