Nursery Chef

Job DescriptionCherrywoodNursery Chef29,120 per annum.40 hours per weekCherrywood nursery is a modern open plan nursery set in the beautiful village of PirbrightWere proud of our nurturing environment, our outstanding apprentice programme, and our commitment to developing future early years professionals. Now, were looking for a passionateNursery Chefto join our team and help fuel little minds with nutritious meals made with care. We are seeking a dedicated Nursery Chef to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting age-appropriate meals to the highest standards, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. You will work closely with the nursery team and parents to support the overall care and educational experience of the children.You will also maintain accurate records of supplies, ordering replacements as needed, while adhering to the nurserys budget requirements. This positions offer 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.Why Join Us?At Family First, we value our team members and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:Annual Leave: Starting at 24 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday and bank holidaysEmployee Childcare Discounts: 75% off nursery fees for our team membersHealth and Wellbeing Programme: Confidential employee assistance helpline availableDevelopment: Tailored learning and development opportunities to support your career growthReferralprogramme:Refer a friend and earn upto 750Excellent Transport LinksAs Nursery Chef, you will:Keep the kitchen a clean and safe environment, adhering to internal and external requirements; complete the Kitchen Hygiene Checklist each month, and ensure that the Cleaning Schedule is complete and adhered to, being regularly updated and displayed prominently in the kitchenEnsure the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene in the nursery and kitchenThe nursery staff will tell you each day of the numbers to cater for; prepare and cook enough age-appropriate food (cooked as near to the point of service as possible) for all the children on a daily basis, with minimum wastageTake responsibility to make sure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to the teamsEnsure that dietary requirements and personal care routines are adhered to at all times, including the robust measures around the Red, Amber and Green plate proceduresWork in co-operation and partnership with the Nursery team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious dietEnsure that budgetary requirements are met through careful planning of all food orders Duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive, changes and other duties relevant to this post may be added.As Nursery Chef, you will need:Able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements around food allergies - essentialSound Knowledge of COSHH - essentialAble to work to a catering budget, in a manner that avoids fluctuating standards of food service - essentialExperience and qualified to the appropriate level in any role which involves cooking in domestic or commercial property - essentialFluent in written and spoken English at GCSE grade C (or equivalent) - essentialExperienced and passionate about any role that involves cooking for young children - desirableWe are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.Cherrywood is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.

Created: 2026-05-13