Job Description

Nursery Cook - Butterfly Barns Day Nursery

Location:

105 Old Heath Road, Colchester, CO1 2EX

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 1:30pm

We are looking for a warm, reliable, and enthusiastic Nursery Cook to join our friendly team at Butterfly Barns Day Nursery. You'll be preparing hearty, home-cooked meals for our children, ensuring they receive delicious, nutritious food every day, in line with Early Years nutrition guidance.
You'll receive 20 days of holiday, plus bank holidays. We also close the week between Christmas & New Year.

What you'll be doing:

Cooking a daily hot lunch and pudding for the children Preparing a light tea, which is served to children at 4pm by the team Working from our 3-week seasonal menu rota, created in partnership with our lead chef, Tania. Managing your own kitchen, with support from the wider team Supporting our three play rooms by washing up after lunches. Overseeing kitchen stock and liaising with management to place orders (deliveries on Monday and Friday) Visiting each room daily to confirm child numbers and allergies (you'll receive a forecast sheet to help with planning) Preparing alternative meals for children with allergies or dietary requirements Maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards Receiving a full induction and handover from our current chef, who is moving to our sister nursery. This will involve a week of working alongside Tania whilst she inducts you into the role.

What we're looking for:

Someone who loves to cook and take pride in preparing food for children A team player who enjoys being a familiar face to children and staff Organised and proactive in managing stock and kitchen tasks Willing to complete or already holds a

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

(training will be provided if needed) Awareness of food allergies and dietary needs (training provided alongside induction into our robust allergy system)

What we offer:

A well-equipped, 5-star food hygiene rated kitchen Supportive team environment Full induction and ongoing training Weekly fresh meat deliveries from our trusted butcher A role where you can truly make a difference in the daily lives of children
If you're passionate about food and working in a warm, child-focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From 12.21 per hour

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends Overtime
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Nursery Cook
Expected start date: 26/08/2025