Nursery onsite cook

1. Purpose of the Role

The Nursery Cook is the keeper of warm kitchens and happy tummies. With a spoonful of organisation and a dash of imagination, you will prepare wholesome, nourishing meals for children aged 0–5—supporting their growth, wellbeing, and sense of wonder. Your kitchen will be a place where cleanliness sparkles, routines run smoothly, and meals appear as if by magic (though you and I know it takes skill).

2. Key Responsibilities - Meal Preparation & Menu Planning

• Prepare delicious, balanced meals and snacks each day—nothing too sweet, nothing too salty, and always just right.
• Work with menus that are seasonal, varied, and filled with foods that help little ones grow strong, clever, and cheerful.
• Adapt dishes for allergies, intolerances, cultural needs, and weaning stages with a calm, capable hand.
• Ensure portion sizes are perfectly suited to tiny appetites.
• Occasionally join the children for magical cooking moments—flour, laughter, and learning combined.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Keep the kitchen tidy, gleaming, and safe—spit-spot, always
• Follow all food hygiene rules and standards with the precision.
• Complete food temperature logs, cleaning records, and stock rotation checks.
• Ensure food is labelled and stored correctly.

Allergen & Dietary Requirements Management

• Maintain accurate allergen charts that ensure every child's needs are fully protected.
• Communicate clearly with practitioners so everyone knows what's being served—and what must be avoided.
• Prevent cross-contamination with the discipline.

Kitchen Management & Ordering

• Monitor stock, order supplies, and avoid waste with sensible thrift and thoughtful planning.
• Check deliveries for quality—no bruised apples or crumbly bread sneaking past your watchful eye.
• Keep equipment clean, safe, and ready for its next culinary adventure.

Health & Safety

• Follow all safeguarding, health & safety, and nursery policies with a firm but friendly approach.
• Report maintenance issues promptly.
• Participate in training, drills, and meetings with a positive, can-do attitude.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work harmoniously with the nursery team, keeping the kitchen at the heart of the setting's warm community.
• Share information calmly and clearly with room leaders regarding allergies, meal plans, or changes.
• Uphold kindness, respect, and good humour at all times—after all, in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.

3. Person Specification = Essential

• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willingness to complete).
• Experience cooking for groups in a school, nursery, café, or similar.
• A solid understanding of nutrition, allergens, safe food practices, and the importance of routine.
• Ability to plan menus, manage a kitchen, and work independently.
• Organised, reliable, punctual, and calm—even when the wind changes.
• Commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of children.

Desirable

• Experience in an Early Years setting.
• Knowledge of weaning, textures, and nutritional needs from infancy to preschool.
• First Aid qualification.
• An enthusiasm for teaching children about food through joyful, hands-on experiences.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Protecting children is of the utmost importance.
• Follow all safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures precisely.
• Report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

5. Additional Duties

• Supporting nursery events with special meals and treats, adding a sprinkle of occasion to special days.
• Attending meetings, supervisions, and training to keep your practice tip-top.
• Undertaking additional reasonable duties as requested—never forgetting that a good cook, like a good nanny, is adaptable.

6. Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, stir, lift, and carry safely and comfortably.
• Ability to work in a kitchen with grace and good spirits.

7. About You

The ideal candidate will be:

• Organised, reliable, and steady—even if the wind changes
• Experienced in cooking for groups (nursery, school, café, catering, or similar)
• Knowledgeable about allergens, nutrition, and safe food practices
• Qualified with (or willing to obtain) Level 2 Food Hygiene
• Able to work independently with a cheerful, proactive spirit
• Able to communicate clearly and confidently in spoken English, in order to:
• understand and follow safety instructions,
• discuss dietary needs with staff, and
• ensure accurate allergen communication

(This is an essential job-related requirement and not a preference.)

• Warm, patient, and ready to bring joy to mealtime

8. Equal Opportunities

We welcome and value all individuals, celebrating diversity and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, respectfully, and kindly—just as every child deserves.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Cooking / food preperation: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person