Job Description

Salary:

26,624.00 plus travel allowance

Hours:

7:00am - 1:00pm, Monday to Friday - all year round. Plus 2 hours per week remote working - menu planning and ordering online food shopping.

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate Nursery Chef to join our lovely team at Dottie Tots Churt. This hands-on role involves preparing nutritious meals for children aged 0-5. You'll lead menu planning, food ordering, and allergy-safe meal preparation that meets all dietary needs.

Safeguarding Requirement

Dottie Tots Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and prepare balanced, fresh meals for babies and young children Cater safely for allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences To be responsible for Environmental Health Visits and Inspections Order food and manage stock across multiple settings Maintain food safety, hygiene and allergen protocols Travel to Bentley and Kingsley settings (travel allowance given) Keep kitchen records: cleaning logs, temperatures, allergens Support events with catering (open days, celebrations)

Essential Criteria

Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (minimum) with a strong understanding of kitchen safety and food handling procedures.

Experience preparing meals in a professional or childcare kitchen setting.

Confident in managing and catering for multiple allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements.

Excellent time management and ability to independently run a kitchen to a high standard.

Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection, particularly in relation to food safety and hygiene.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with nursery staff and families.

A commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and nutritional awareness in early years.

Friendly, flexible, and approachable attitude with a passion for working around young children.

Business Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance for travel between nursery sites.

Desirable Criteria

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Experience in a nursery, school, or care setting

Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) food and mealtime guidelines

Paediatric First Aid certification (or willingness to train)

Why Join Dottie Tots?

Supportive, welcoming team across all nursery sites

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Uniform provided during working hours

Travel allowance provided for inter-nursery travel

Additional Information

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties as discussed and directed by the line manager. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to fulfilling their responsibilities.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 26,642.00 per year

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: NC2025