Nursery Cook

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Nursery Cook & Housekeeper to join our team. This is a hands-on role responsible for preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals for children, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and supporting the smooth running of domestic services within the nursery.

Key ResponsibilitiesMeal Planning & Preparation
- Plan and prepare balanced, seasonal menus for children under 5, following Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) dietary guidance.
- Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and light tea daily, ensuring meals are healthy, varied, and appealing.
- Cater for allergies and dietary requirements, ensuring strict adherence to food safety and allergen protocols.

Kitchen & Stock Management
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen in line with Safer Food Better Business guidelines.
- Manage stock levels, place weekly online grocery orders, and ensure correct food storage and rotation (FIFO).

Housekeeping & Laundry
- Oversee laundry duties, including washing, drying, and storing items.
- Ensure dining areas, highchairs, and equipment are cleaned and sanitised after each use.

Collaboration & Engagement
- Work closely with mealtime assistants and childcare staff to ensure smooth service.
- Engage children in simple food-related activities and promote healthy eating habits.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

- Experience preparing meals for groups, ideally young children.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen health & safety (training provided if needed).
- Ability to plan menus, work to a budget, and manage time effectively.
- A warm, approachable manner and ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable:

- Food hygiene certificate and/or relevant catering qualification.
- Experience in a commercial or childcare catering environment.
- First aid qualification.

Why Join Us?
- Be part of a friendly, supportive team in a community-focused nursery.
- Opportunity to make a real difference to children’s health and wellbeing.
- Ongoing training and development provided.

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

Pay: £19,843.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sick pay

Work Location: In person