Job Description

Welcome to Pumpkin Lane Day Nursery, Luton's newest destination for nurturing young minds in a modern, vibrant environment. As we prepare to open our doors, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity to join a passionate team dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care. With our innovative approach and commitment to creating a stimulating, safe, and welcoming space, Pumpkin Lane Day Nursery is set to become a cornerstone of the community.

We're looking for enthusiastic, dedicated professionals to help us shape a bright future for the children and families we serve. Join us on this exciting journey and be part of something truly special!

Overview

We are seeking a talented and passionate Chef to take control of our nursery kitchen. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation and production, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks suitable for children aged 0-5, in line with dietary guidelines and EYFS requirements. Ensure all meals are freshly prepared from scratch using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Adapt meals for individual dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, and cultural or religious food preferences. Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness in accordance with current Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Environmental Health guidelines. Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, including allergen management and safe food storage. Record and monitor food and fridge/freezer temperatures and maintain accurate logs (e.g. HACCP records). Ensure food is prepared and served in line with Natasha's Law (allergen labelling and communication). Order food and kitchen supplies within budget, ensuring good stock rotation to minimise waste. Maintain accurate stock records and alert the Nursery Manager to low or excess stock. Work closely with the Nursery Manager, room leaders, and other staff to coordinate meal times, special events, and dietary updates. Liaise with parents when needed to discuss children's specific dietary needs. Support the nursery team by being flexible and responsive to daily needs and routine changes. Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained in good working condition. Complete daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen checks and cleaning rotas. Keep up-to-date allergen charts, meal plans, and food diaries. Support environmental health inspections and internal audits. Ensure the kitchen and food preparation areas are always safe, clean, and inviting. Promote a positive attitude to healthy eating with children and staff. Be aware of and follow the nursery's safeguarding policies. Participate in training and development to keep knowledge up to date (e.g. food hygiene refreshers, allergy management).

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Formal catering qualification. Food & Hygiene qualification certificate (Level 2 minimum) Food allergy awareness. Experience in a commercial or educational kitchen, ideally within a school or early years setting. Basic knowledge of food portioning and child-friendly nutritious menu's. Understanding of early years nutritional requirements. Confident in preparing meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. Knowledge of food safety and hygiene legislation. Experience of environmental health inspections and expectations. Experience and knowledge of allergy management systems and dietary requirements. Menu planning skills. Kitchen management and robust record keeping skills. Experience of systems such as safer food better business. Strong time management skills in order to prepare meals and maintain the kitchen standards in an effective manner. Positive partnership and communication with others - working with manager, staff and parents to oversee dietary needs, nutritional value etc. Willingness to get involved with the children preparing and making meals within the rooms, teaching them new skills.
If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young children and possess the required skills, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position as Nursery Chef.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 13.00-14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 - 40 per week

Additional pay:

Performance bonus
Benefits:

Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person