Job Description

We are looking to recruit a chef who is passionate about preparing fresh, homecooked meals for the children and staff in our family run nursery. You will be working in a brand new commercial kitchen supported by our excellent lead chef who is based at our other nursery. The lead chef will provide menus and recipes for you to follow so that there is continuity across both sites.

If this sound like you, apply to join our amazing team and start making a genuine difference to children's lives every day.

Key Responsibilities:

To prepare and cook tasty, healthy, balanced meals (lunch and tea) and snacks for up to 60 children (3 months to 5 years) Monday to Friday. Working hours 8.30am to 5pm.

To provide lunches for approximately 15 staff Monday to Friday.

Have a good practical knowledge of food allergies / intolerances and how to cater appropriately for people with them.

To be responsible for the hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area in accordance with the Food Standards Agency best practice guidelines.

To work in accordance with the Safer Food Better Business guidance.

Job Content

The list below outlines the typical activities that you will carry out at the nursery. However, there may be times when you may be asked by the manager or their deputy to carry out additional duties related to the kitchen.

Your daily responsibilities include:

To use your experience, initiative, organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks to ensure that the children receive a balanced, healthy diet throughout their day at nursery.

Ensuring that the meals and snacks are served on time (as per the nursery daily routine).

Ensuring that the consistency and portion sizes of the meals prepared are appropriate for the different age groups of children at the nursery.

Liaising with the nursery staff daily to ensure all known allergies / intolerances and preferences are planned and catered for appropriately.

Keeping accurate daily records such as temperature charts for food served and refrigeration equipment in accordance with the relevant Food Standards Agency requirements.

Wash up and put away all kitchen equipment including the plates and cutlery used by the children and staff.

Ensure that the kitchen is clean and tidy before leaving for the day.

Liaise with external agencies in a professional manner such as local food suppliers, the Food Standards Agency and the Local Authority Environmental Health Officers.

Additional regular responsibilities

Support the nursery staff with simple food preparation / cooking activities to incorporate food experiences into the activities for the children.

Undertake regular deep cleans of the kitchen to help maintain our 5 star FSA award.

Being prepared to shop for unexpectedly required food items at local shops.

Participate in reviews of the children's menus with the lead chef when required

Essential to the role

A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate or a willingness to complete the training

A working knowledge of COSHH procedures.

A satisfactory enhanced DBS certificate.

Two satisfactory references

A positive, solution focused attitude

Must be aged 18 years or older

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 29,000.00-31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Ashtead: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Catering: 1 year (preferred) Cooking: 1 year (required) Kitchen : 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person