Name of Setting: Play Studio Montessori Nurseries Location: 9E Rigby Gardens Chadwell St Mary Essex RM16 4JJ Job title: Nursery Chef Type: Part time initially with potential to be Full Time post 6 months probation Hours of Work: Variable Reports To : Nursery Manager Salary Minimum Wage The Opportunity Play Studio Montessori Nurseries is expanding Are you passionate about early childhood nutrition and seeking valuable hands-on experience? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an early year’s chef apprentice. We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated, talented people. The ideal candidate will have experience in a nursery kitchen and experience working with children, however this is not essential. We are looking for someone who will cook fresh nursery meals each day for up to 35 people, take part in cooking activities with the children, complete all kitchen risk assessments, cleaning logs and temperature checks and cook with the children and order the nursery food shop weekly. We are seeking individuals who would like to gain a qualification to become an early years chef. This is a fantastic opportunity to work, study and gain knowledge in a growing nursery. We are looking for individuals who have a passion and drive for nutrition, cooking and those who want to help provide delicious meals to early years children. You will become an excellent team player and a skilled chef in the early years Purpose of the Role and Responsibilities Meal Preparation:· Prepare nutritious meals for children aged between 3 months – 5 years and staff following established recipes and dietary preferences and medical adaptations. Ensure meals are visually appealing, appropriately portioned, and meet the developmental needs of children. Preparation of snacks and finger foods. Food Safety and Hygiene: · Adhere to strict food hygiene practices, including proper handling, storage, and labelling of ingredients. · Maintain a clean and sanitised kitchen workspace. · Follow food safety regulations and HACCP guidelines. Menu Planning: · Collaborate with management to develop balanced and varied menus for children. · Consider seasonal produce and nutritional requirements when planning menus. · Incorporate age-appropriate textures and flavours into meals. Child Education: · Participate in activities to educate children about healthy eating habits. · Introduce children to new foods and textures in a positive manner. · Assist in teaching children basic table manners. Kitchen Operations: · Inventory management and stock rotation. · Properly clean and maintain kitchen equipment. · Properly clean children’s bowls, plates, glasses and cutlery · Follow established kitchen procedures and standards. · Label, store and put away ingredients from shopping. Required Skills and Qualifications: · Passion for Food: Genuine enthusiasm for cooking and a desire to provide healthy meals for children. · Basic Culinary Skills: Understanding of fundamental cooking techniques · Food Hygiene Certification: Completion of a recognised food safety course. This is desirable · Child Development Knowledge: Basic understanding of children's nutritional needs and developmental stages. This is desirable. · Teamwork: Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with all staff. · Communication Skills: Clear communication with colleagues and the ability to explain food choices to children Specific Childcare Tasks · To develop your role within the team · To ensure that mealtimes are a time of pleasant social sharing. · Washing and changing children as required · To ensure good standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness are always maintained. · To be aware of the high profile of the nursery and to always uphold its standards, both within work hours and outside Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment At Play Studio Montessori Nurseries, we have a culture of Safety. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment. We have several policies and procedures in place including, Safer Recruitment, Safeguarding and Child Protection, to ensure the welfare and safety of all the children in our care. We will work with external agencies and share necessary information when any concerns arise. Your initial employment is conditional upon the provision of a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Certificate of a level appropriate to your post. Proof of identity is required, and you will be required to consent to subsequent criminal record checks from time to time during your employment as deemed appropriate by the Company. In the event that such certificate(s) are not supplied your employment with us will be terminated. This job is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, due to the nature of the role which involve working with children and vulnerable people. Please note that Referees will be contacted prior to interview.