Job Description: Nursery Cook
Location: SPLAT Day Nursery & Forest School, Henlow Bridge Lakes, SG16 6DD
Contract: 51 weeks per year
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
Pay Rate: Dependent on qualifications and experience
Start Date: ASAP
Overview: We are looking for an enthusiastic Nursery Cook to join our supportive team. This role involves creating balanced, appealing meals for children aged 0-5, snacks for our holiday club, and lunches for our staff. It is integral to our nursery’s mission of promoting children’s well-being through nutrition that accommodates various dietary needs, preferences, and developmental stages.
Key Responsibilities:
* Meal Preparation & Service:
o Prepare daily meals, including lunch, pudding, and tea, alongside an afternoon snack for children and staff lunches from the same menu.
o Leave out the next day’s morning snack, ensuring it's ready for the start of the day.
o Present meals in a fun and appealing way that encourages children to try new foods and textures.
o Engage children in weekly cooking activities to foster their interest in healthy eating.
* Responding to Feedback & Preferences:
o Adjust menus based on team feedback and children’s evolving needs, likes, and dislikes, ensuring that meal options remain enjoyable and suitable for everyone.
o Collaborate with staff to incorporate feedback from children and parents, making meal times a positive and inclusive experience.
* Nutritional Standards & Safety:
o Maintain a high standard of food hygiene to ensure we keep our 5 on the door and adhere to the Safer Food, Better Business guidelines.
o Uphold our Early Years Nutrition Accreditation with an advanced badge, ensuring all meals meet our rigorous standards.
o Provide balanced meals catering to dietary requirements, including allergens, weaning stages, and individual preferences.
* Menu Planning & Stock Control:
o Design creative, well-balanced menus that reflect the needs and preferences of children and staff.
o Manage orders and stock control, placing shopping orders twice weekly and checking deliveries for quality.
o Where possible, incorporate produce from our nursery’s vegetable garden.
* Parental Engagement:
o Share daily images and ingredient lists on our parent communication platform with a fun, informative summary about each meal.
o Openly communicate with parents regarding ingredients and meal options, fostering transparency and trust.
* Collaboration & Kitchen Management:
o Perform daily kitchen checks and end-of-day close-downs, ensuring the kitchen is organised and prepared for the following day.
o Work closely with the PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) and management team to ensure our health goals are met.
o Operate independently within our small, friendly team environment, while contributing positively to the overall nursery atmosphere.
Employee Perks:
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Immediate coverage for you and your immediate family for emotional and mental health support.
* Birthday & Christmas Shopping Leave: After one year of service, enjoy an extra day off for your birthday and another for holiday shopping.
* Private Health Insurance Option: Available after two years of service.
* Team Social Events: Enjoy three annual team events for camaraderie and celebration.
* Continued Professional Development (CPD): Ongoing opportunities for training to support your professional growth.
Required Skills & Experience:
* Experience in food preparation, particularly for young children aged 0-5.
* Knowledge of dietary needs, allergies, and baby weaning stages.
* Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
* Excellent communication skills and a positive rapport with children.
* Experience with stock control and kitchen management.
* Ability to work collaboratively and independently with a proactive, adaptable approach to feedback.
Application Process:
* First Stage: Online interview on Monday 11th November.
* Second Stage: In-person interview where you’ll prepare a meal (recipe will be provided in advance).
* Clearance: Successful candidates must pass a DBS check and provide two recent employer references.
If you’re passionate about child nutrition, responsive to feedback, and excited to make a difference, we’d love to welcome you to our team! Apply today to join an environment where your contribution will be valued every day.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.45-£13.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 per week
Benefits:
* Company events
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Experience:
* Nursery: 1 year (required)
* Kitchen experience: 1 year (required)
* Nutrition: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/11/2024
Reference ID: Nov24
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