Children's Day Nursery Apprentice Chef Position

Apprentice Production Chef (NVQ Level 2, Fully Funded) – Children's Day Nursery

Kick-start your chef career with a paid, fully funded Apprentice Production Chef role at Ely Nursery.

Join a friendly, professional team in a children's day nursery where you'll earn while you learn, gain real kitchen experience, and work towards your NVQ Level 2 Production Chef qualification.

This is an ideal first step if you want a long-term career as a chef in education catering, nurseries, schools or wider hospitality.

Why apply for this Apprentice Chef role?

• Fully funded NVQ Level 2 Production Chef qualification
• Real, hands-on experience in a professional nursery kitchen
• Supportive Cook and Nursery Manager to train and guide you
• Strong focus on food safety, hygiene and children's nutrition
• Clear route for progression after qualification

About the role

As an Apprentice Production Chef / Apprentice Nursery Chef, you'll help to prepare and serve healthy, balanced meals for young children and keep the kitchen clean, safe and well-organised throughout the day.

You will be part of the team that ensures every child receives nutritious food on time, in line with Environmental Health and nursery standards.

Key responsibilities

Working alongside the Cook and Nursery Manager, you will:

• Wear full protective / hygienic clothing at all times (hat, apron, gloves, etc.) and remove it each time you leave the building
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene before and after all food preparation (hair tied back; clean, reasonably short nails)
• Prepare nutritious, well-balanced lunches, teas and snacks for children
• Ensure meals are served at the correct temperature and safely placed in the children's rooms
• Deliver meals and snacks to rooms and collect trays after mealtimes
• Clear rooms and the kitchen after each service and keep the kitchen clean and tidy throughout the day
• Complete the Daily Kitchen Check Sheet accurately
• Defrost the freezer twice per year
• Comply with Environmental Health Regulations at all times
• Read and follow all relevant nursery policies and procedures

This apprentice chef role will help you build strong organisation, time management, teamwork and communication skills in a live kitchen environment.

Training and qualification

All training is delivered as part of your apprenticeship:

• Training delivered on-site and online
• You will be supported by an assessor, who will visit approximately every 3 months to review your progress
• On successful completion, you will achieve a fully funded NVQ Level 2 Production Chef (Intermediate / GCSE level)

Career progression

This is not just a job; it is a career pathway.

Around two years after achieving your qualification, you will be considered for promotion based on:

• Performance and reliability
• Attitude and teamwork
• Business needs

This provides a clear route into more senior nursery chef or catering roles.

Pay and benefits

• Annual wage: £15,750
• Benefits include:
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free meals
• On-site parking
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (Level 2 / GCSE)
• Expected duration: 12 months
• Positions available: 1

Who this apprentice chef role is ideal for

This Apprentice Production Chef position is perfect if you:

• Want to start a long-term career as a chef
• Are interested in children's nutrition and healthy cooking
• Are reliable, punctual and willing to learn
• Are happy to follow food safety, hygiene and kitchen procedures
• Enjoy working as part of a small, supportive team

How to apply

If you are ready to start your chef career, gain a fully funded NVQ Level 2 Production Chef qualification, and work in a caring children's day nursery environment, apply now for the Apprentice Production Chef position at Ely Nursery.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £15,750.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London N3 1QN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Chef: 1 year (preferred)
• Cooking: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person