Job Description

Would you like to be part of warm, supporting,family run team?

The Nurtury

is an Ofsted rated

OUTSTANDING

Team, and finalist in four categories at this years

National Awards!

Imagine a place where curiosity blossoms and where every day feels like a new adventure. Welcome to our nursery, a haven of creativity and growth, where we don't just care for children - we inspire them.

Job Types:

Permanent, Full-time Monday to Friday

Working hours:

40 hours working week: 0830 - 1730

Salary:

31,420 per annum (plus amazing benefits, see below!)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to join our family team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food menu planning, procurement, preparation and delivery of healthy, balanced, and nutritious meals for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Catering for individual dietary needs and allergies, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, safety, kitchen management and professionalism in the nursery kitchen.

Responsibilities

Meal Planning and Preparation:

Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children in line with nursery menus and dietary guidelines. Ensure cultural and dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerance's, vegetarian, religious preferences) are met. Identify and order all food provisions using an iPad and on-line platforms Adapt menus to accommodate seasonal produce and budget requirements. Development of menus and uploading onto parent platform (ability to update a Word template). Review feedback forms with the Nursery Manager.

Health, Safety and Hygiene

Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen and comply with Food Hygiene Regulations and Environmental Health standards. Ensure safe storage, preparation, labeling, and serving of all food. Carry out daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules in the kitchen area. Be clear about the regulation relating to allergies and provide adequate information to parents about the contents of meals provided. To wash-up crockery, cutlery and all equipment used to prepare meals. Follow food safety management systems.

Record Keeping and Compliance:

Maintain up-to-date allergen information and ensure it is clearly displayed and communicated to staff. Record and monitor fridge/freezer temperatures and other required checks. Keep accurate records of menus, dietary needs, food safety checks, and cleaning rotas for inspection. Undertaking of audits applicable to the job role as set out by the Nursery Manager. Support the nursery team in meeting Ofsted and EYFS requirements relating to food and nutrition.

Stock Control and Ordering:

Manage food stock efficiently to reduce waste. Order supplies and maintain appropriate stock levels. Identify and submit procurement request for all kitchen equipment and apparatus.

Teamwork & Communication:

Work closely with nursery staff to coordinate mealtimes and respond to children's needs promptly. Communicate effectively with the nursery manager regarding supplies, menu updates, and any kitchen issues. Ability to be able to adapt to change requests. Support in special occasions catering (e.g. birthdays, cultural festivals). Ensure cultural and dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, religious preferences) are met. Identify and order all food provisions using an iPad and on-line platforms Adapt menus to accommodate seasonal produce and budget requirements. Development of menus and uploading onto parent platform (ability to update a Word template). Review feedback forms with the Nursery Manager.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience in a similar role within a nursery setting Proficient knowledge of IT/iPad, and applications to book delivery slots, and order food deliveries. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word to prepare menus to a level for client viewing. Food Safety certification. Understanding of Food standard agency inspection. Ability to cook healthy, balanced, and appealing meals for children under 5. Good knowledge of nutrition and portion sizes for young children. Excellent understanding of food hygiene, allergen safety, and kitchen management. Organised, reliable, and adaptable, with strong time-management skills Ability to work independently while being part of a wider nursery team.

Qualifications

Food Hygiene Level 2 or above (Level 3 desirable). Experience as a chef or cook in a nursery, school, or similar setting preferred. Knowledge of Safer Food, Better Business guidelines. Training in allergen awareness Paediatric first aid (desirable).

Behaviors and Attitudes

Flexible to support the nursery with special events or menu planning activities. Excellent verbal communication skills with staff, children and parents Able to use written English to write reports and keep clear and accurate records Ability to work as part of a team, under pressure, and work on own initiative Calm and caring nature Empathy and understanding of children under 5 Reliable, enthusiastic and flexible

Our Benefits!

250 bonus should the nursery retain the Ofsted rating of

OUTSTANDING

250 bonus on the successful completion of a food's standard agency certificate. Annual personal membership to Costco. Enhanced Annual Leave package of 25 days holiday, plus 8 days bank holidays paid Birthday off after one year of service (paid) Option to 'Sell Back' up to 5-day's Annual Leave. Pension Free lunches prepared by...yourself! 2 Year Service Award. A Holiday voucher of 500 5 Year Service Award. A Holiday voucher of 1000 10 Year Service Award Ceremony TfL Annual Season Ticket Loan: Cycle to work scheme (tax efficient scheme). Heated and air-conditioned staff room located in the rear of the garden to take a break away from the setting Reward and Recognition Scheme (Voucher benefit) Professional Training Career development plans Regular one-to-one meetings and support Employee Assistance Programme Store discounts Fully heated and air-conditioned throughout the setting (including your kitchen!) Fantastic Events! (Christmas party, staff brunches, Cheese and Wine evenings, Summer BBQ's !)


Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 31,420.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Catford SE6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Can you reliably commute to SE6 within 45 minutes?
Experience:

Nursery kitchen: 2 years (required)
Language:

Fluent English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Food Hygiene Level 2 or above (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/11/2025
Expected start date: 22/12/2025