Position: Nursery Chef
Location: Mortlake Area
Salary: £30,000 + Benefits
Start Date: 20th February
We are currently looking for a passionate and experienced Nursery Chef to join our dedicated team in the Mortlake area.
If you have a love for nutrition and enjoy working with young children, this is the perfect opportunity for you. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking healthy, age-appropriate meals for children aged 3 months to 5 years, while ensuring dietary requirements are met and promoting a positive eating environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Meal Preparation & Presentation: Prepare, cook, and present well-balanced, nutritious meals (lunch, snacks, and afternoon tea) for children, ensuring that all food is age-appropriate and made with minimal waste.
* Dietary Requirements: Take responsibility for catering to all children’s dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and special dietary requirements, and clearly communicate these needs to the nursery team.
* Kitchen Safety & Hygiene: Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment, adhering to both internal procedures and external regulations. Perform regular monthly risk assessments and manage hygiene standards.
* Crockery & Utensils: Ensure that all kitchen equipment, including crockery, cutlery, and utensils, is cleaned, maintained, and stored properly after each use.
* Nursery Support: Assist with special nursery activities, including parent events, staff meetings, and any other ad-hoc duties as required.
Special Occasions & Events: Prepare and serve meals for special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and other cultural festivals, contributing to the overall celebration and experience.
* Stock & Inventory Management: Monitor and manage stock levels, ensuring that all ingredients are ordered on a weekly basis and stock is rotated appropriately in line with company guidelines.
* Collaboration with the Team: Work closely with nursery staff, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure children are encouraged to develop healthy eating habits and that meals meet all nutritional standards.
* Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure that all health, safety, and safeguarding procedures are consistently followed to protect both the children and the wider team.
* Positive Environment: Play an active role in creating and maintaining a positive, safe, and happy environment in the nursery for both children and staff.
What We’re Looking For:
* Experience: Previous experience in a similar role, ideally in a school, nursery, or childcare setting, with a strong passion for nutrition and working with young children.
* Qualifications: Hold a Food Hygiene Level 3 certification (essential).
* Knowledge: A thorough understanding of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), as well as the ability to manage and cater for various dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
* Skills: Excellent communication skills to work effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. The ability to stay calm and efficient while working under pressure.
* Commitment to Safety: A strong commitment to following child welfare, protection, health, safety, and safeguarding procedures.
* Compliance: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Working Hours:
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Typically Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with some flexibility required to accommodate occasional extended days for staff meetings or training.
Holiday Entitlement: 28 days per year, including public holidays.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary of £30,000 per annum.
* Generous holiday entitlement of 28 days per year, including public holidays.
* Opportunities for professional development and training.
* A supportive and friendly team environment.
If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for child nutrition and want to make a positive impact in a nursery setting, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to become part of our team and contribute to providing high-quality care and meals for young children