Nursery Chef

The role of the Chef is to provide nutritionally balanced, freshly prepared meals for the children in our care and to be totally responsible for the safe and hygienic management of the kitchen.

The main qualities of a good chef are a natural warm personality and flexibility together with an understanding of the nutritional needs of children.

Tasks and Accountabilities

• To be responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen


• To prepare and present a freshly cooked lunchtime and tea time meal, including a dessert for the children in our care.


• To team lead and mentor the other kitchen staff (2)


• The cook must also provide suitable alternatives to accommodate for children with allergies, particular dietary requests and those who observe religious beliefs.


• Ensure that all meals provided are at a suitable temperature for the children's consumption.


• To work with the Childcare Managers to plan a well balanced, healthy and fresh menu.


• To adhere strictly to Food Hygiene Regulations and other safety procedures at all times.


• To complete food orders within the allocated budget


• To order the correct amount of food required for the weeks meals and snack times


• To ensure that food is served promptly to each room/ site at the following times unless otherwise stated by the childcare Managers


• To prepare adequate portion sizes to meet the children's individual needs, ensuring there is always the option for second servings


• Reporting equipment, maintenance problems to the Childcare Director or Nursery Manager.


• To never allow children into the kitchen.


On a daily basis the chef should;

• Ensure that any food left over is covered, left to cool and refrigerated or frozen before the end of the day


• Ensure that the kitchen is spotlessly clean at all times.


The ideal person will be a confident Chef, having experience in a similar environment (Nursery/School/Retirement home etc). You will have extensive knowledge of allergens, and also have relevant catering qualifications.

Willows Farm Day Nursery is a 188 place early years setting, based onsite at the award winning Willows Activity Farm. We focus on nature based play, and outdoor learning, following a child led curiosity approach to children's development.

We have a new vacancy available for an Experienced Nursery Chef, to join our team at our large 188 place day nursery at Willows Farm, on a full time, permanent contract.

Our extensive benefits package includes:

• 50% off childcare (including Holiday Camp) - from day one with us!


• Wellbeing ambassadors in all our settings, to look after your health and wellbeing


• Free lunches and drinks every day for our staff


• 28 days annual holiday, increasing with service up to 33 days


• Refer a friend bonus up to £500 per referral - no limit on the number of referrals you can make!


• WPA "NHS Top up" - including a 24/7 helpline, access to private doctors appointments, money back on healthcare expenses


• An open door management policy across all of our settings - You should always feel like you can come and talk to us.


• Access to 18 training courses, and ongoing training and development opportunities


• Regular staff/team outings and celebrations - let your hair down, you deserve it!


• Free staff uniform - comfortable polo shirts, and a coat for outdoors!


• Enhanced NEST Pension scheme for all staff - for a comfortable future retirement!


• Monthly staff lotteries and employee of the month - it could be you!


• Length of service awards and gifts - recognising your loyalty!


• Staff awards ceremony - with prizes worth up to £500!


• Staff summer bbq, and Christmas party