Job Description

Nursery Chef - Full Time or Part Time (35-40 hours)

Location:

The Little Learners Montessori Watford, Hertfordshire (covering Watford & Northwood branches)

Salary:

26,250 - 33,000 per year (depending on hours and experience)

Hours:

40 hours per week

- 6:00am to 2:00pm, Monday-Friday

35 hours per week

- 6:00am to 1:00pm, Monday-Friday
(52 weeks a year, permanent role)

About Us

The Little Learners Montessori is a long-established, family-run group of Montessori nurseries in North West London. We are passionate about creating the very best start in life for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Our Watford nursery has a

purpose-built kitchen

, and we are now looking for an

experienced, creative, and reliable Chef

to join our team. You will play a vital role in shaping children's health and wellbeing by providing fresh, healthy, and nutritionally balanced meals each day.

The Role

As the Nursery Chef, you will be responsible for:

Preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious meals for up to 130 children daily Catering for a wide variety of dietary needs and allergies Ordering, preparing, and cooking daily meals for a team of four staff members from our Head Office in Watford. Menu planning, stock control, and ordering supplies Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with Environmental Health and Food Safety regulations Working independently to manage the kitchen and occasionally supporting special events or seasonal celebrations
This is a role where you can

make a real difference

to children and their families in the local community, with full accountability for the safe and efficient running of our kitchen.

What We're Looking For

Essential skills & experience:

Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2 (minimum) Proven experience cooking in an early years, school, or care setting Strong knowledge of dietary needs, allergies, and safe food preparation Menu planning, ordering, and stock control experience Excellent organisation, hygiene, and record-keeping skills

Desirable skills & experience:

Knowledge of child nutrition and balanced diets for under 5s Understanding of Ofsted requirements for catering in nurseries Full Driving Licence Basic First Aid qualification Experience working independently and as part of a wider nursery team

What We Offer

Competitive salary (26,250-33,000 depending on hours & experience) Supportive, family-run working environment Opportunities for training and development Recently refurbished kitchen facilities Staff events and seasonal celebrations

Safeguarding Commitment

The Little Learners Montessori is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate Chef who enjoys cooking fresh, healthy meals and would like to join a welcoming, family-run nursery, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today or contact

Justin Hamilton-Heward

for more information.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent

Pay: 26,250.00-33,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

Have you previously worked in a nursery, school, or care setting preparing meals for children? (If yes, please give details) What is your highest catering/chef qualification (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds, or other)? Would you prefer to work 35 hours or 40 hours per week?
Work Location: In person