Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Nursery Cook to join our vibrant early childhood education team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing meals and snacks tailored to young children’s dietary needs. Your culinary skills will help foster a healthy eating environment, ensuring every child receives balanced, safe, and delicious food throughout the day. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the well-being and development of children in a lively, supportive setting.
Golders Hill Day Nursery is an Ofsted registered Early Years setting providing high quality care and education for children aged 6 months to 4+. Our curriculum is inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Pikler, with a strong emphasis on emotional security, independence, communication and a calm, purposeful learning environment.
We are seeking a dedicated and organised Nursery Cook to join our team and ensure children receive nutritious, balanced meals every day. This role is central to maintaining high standards of food hygiene, safety and safeguarding across the nursery.
Key Responsibilities
Daily meal preparation - Cook healthy, age appropriate meals and snacks for children aged 6 months to 4+.
Nutrition ethos – Support our commitment to providing balanced, wholesome meals using fresh ingredients, with a focus on children’s wellbeing, sustainability and developing positive food habits.
Pescatarian food ethos – We operate a no meat kitchen and provide a fully pescatarian menu, ensuring consistency, sustainability and a calm, positive food culture across the nursery.
Allergy management - Follow safeguarding procedures for allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements.
Food hygiene - Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and kitchen safety.
Stock control - Manage ordering, deliveries, stock rotation and waste reduction.
Team communication - Work closely with practitioners to support routines and ensure meals are served on time.
Safeguarding - Follow all safeguarding policies, maintain professional boundaries and report concerns immediately.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience cooking for children or large groups
- Knowledge of nutrition for babies and young children
- Level 2 Food Hygiene (or willingness to complete)
- Strong organisation, time management and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and maintain a calm, safe kitchen environment
- Commitment to safer recruitment, safeguarding and professional conduct
Why Join Golders Hill Day Nursery?
Supportive team culture – a warm, friendly staff team where everyone works collaboratively.
Beautiful learning environment – inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Pikler principles.
Professional kitchen – spacious, well equipped and designed for safe, efficient workflow.
Free parking – on site.
33 days paid holiday –5 working days pro rata
Company pension scheme – option
Flexible working hours - part time 30 hrs / week or full time options available.
Meaningful impact - your role directly supports children’s wellbeing, nutrition and daily experience.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
