Job Description

Job Overview

Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? Come and join our team at Pumpkin Patch Day Nursery, Farnborough.

Role overview

As a Nursery Cook at Pumpkin patch, you'll be a key part of our nursery team, you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the well- being of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.

About our Nursery

Pumpkin Patch Day Nursery, Farnborough is rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 36 children in a home from home setting.

Role responsibilities

Kitchen management

Take ownership of the nursery kitchen, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation. Adhere to food hygiene, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.

Menu planning & cooking

Plan and prepare varied, balanced menus in line with nursery nutritional guidelines. Introduce children to a variety of tastes, textures, and cuisines to support healthy eating habits. Prepare meals, snacks, and special dietary alternatives daily, ensuring portion control appropriate to each age group.

Allergy and dietary management

Ensure all allergy and dietary requirements are strictly adhered to, following children's individual care plans. Maintain accurate records of allergens and communicate clearly with staff regarding children's specific needs.

Team contribution

Work closely with the Nursery Manager, and wider nursery team to deliver high-quality food provision. Support the nursery in promoting positive food experiences for children, including cooking activities and food-based learning. Participate in staff meetings, training, and compliance audits as required.

Stock & ordering

Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor deliveries to ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients are available. Work within budget guidelines while minimising food waste.

Person specification

Passion for cooking fresh, healthy meals for children. Experience working as a cook, ideally in an Early Years or educational setting.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of food hygiene regulations and allergy management (Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate essential; Level 3 desirable, Food Safety certificate etc).

Strong organisational and time management skills. Ability to work independently while being part of a team Creativity in menu planning to expose children to new tastes and food cultures. Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents Ability to work under pressure
The nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All offers will be subject to Enhanced DBS check and full referencing checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, Sexual orientation or age.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Work Location: In person