Nursery Cook

**About the Company**

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is focused on providing outstanding care to children from 3 months old to 5 years of age. We are passionate about providing babies, toddlers and preschool children with the best start in their early years education and work diligently to ensure that this results in safe and happy children in our care. If you are passionate about Early Years Education, we want to hear from you

As a company we believe that providing our staff, with full high-quality training, free uniform and generous holiday entitlement helps to achieve a good work life balance and supports employee’s well-being. (see bottom of advert for full list of benefits).

**About the Role**

To be considered for this role you will ideally have experience of cooking in a similar environment e.g. care home, nursery, schools. It is essential that you have an awareness of allergy’s, dietary requirements and cross contamination.

You will prepare menus as agreed with the Nursery manager. Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

- Observing children’s special dietary needs where appropriate and following the appropriate weekly menu’s and ensure prior preparations are carried out effectively.
- Effectively managing portion control and wastage according to children’s needs.
- Ordering fresh food and other foodstuff supplies through ordering procedures of Mama Bear’s day nursery.
- Monitoring stock control and stock rotation and informing Nursery Manager of any discrepancies
- Promptly preparing nutritional food and beverages to a high standard and liaising with the Nursery manager regarding any special dietary requirements.
- Ensure timely and efficient cleaning of all food preparation surfaces, dishes, cooking utensils and other equipment and always maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and food storage areas
- Ensuring management and implementation of safe working procedures and practices in accordance with Health & Safety legislation and ensuring the safe operation and maintenance, as needed, of all kitchen equipment.
- Ensure formal monitoring and recording of refrigerator, chiller and freezer temperatures in accordance with Environmental Health requirements, and to ensure their verification with a calibrated thermometer, according to procedures.
- Assisting the Nursery Manager in the resolution of any complaints concerning the catering service.
- Have an awareness of the safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and understand who to report concerns to.

**Benefits**

Free paediatric first aid training - We want you all to be comfortable in your role at nursery, sometimes that means being able to deal with any situation calmly and effectively. First aid training is one step towards achieving this state of calm.

Childcare - generous childcare discounts to help you back to work.

Fantastic career progression opportunities - You may have started as an apprentice, but there's no reason why you can't take the next step. And the next one. And the one after that. In fact, there are always new and exciting opportunities for you to further your career and push yourself to a new level.

Free DBS check - everyone needs one, we know this. But they can become a burden, which is why we offer them for free for our teams.

Fully funded training courses - Maybe you like to learn new things? Well, there are some great opportunities to do so at Mama Bears, as you can sign up for training courses designed to advance your knowledge. food hygiene, behavior management, fire marshal, planning, manual handling, Ofsted preparation, Makaton, letters and sounds, forest school, SEND and much more.

Employee Assistance Helpline - if you ever feel like you need someone outside and impartial to your life to talk to, we have an employee assistance helpline which you can contact free of change.

Annual Leave - 28 days inclusive of bank holidays, make sure you take some you time

**Important Information**

Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, all staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment.

Part-time hours: 18.5 - 35 per week

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Childcare
- Company pension
Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
**Experience**:

- Chef: 1 year (preferred)