Job Description

Job Summary Nursery Cook

We are a happy, family run childcare business in Caversham and we are looking for a Part Time Nursery Cook to join our small team. We provide nutritionally balanced, attractive, family style meals and snacks for young children aged 8 months to 8 years to ensure children get what they need to grow and learn. Join our team as an Early Years Cook and play a vital role in shaping the early development of young children. Experience the joy of supporting their growth while honing your culinary skills in a dynamic nursery environment. Orchard's Nursery Cook is an expert in child nutrition and works as part of a team to help children, staff and parents build healthy habits for life.

Main Duties

Cooking two course lunch for up to 54 children and 10 adults with a focus on fresh food Provide for special dietary requirements (religious or health related) Part preparation of Tea (in collaboration with childcare staff) to be served later Maintaining kitchen in a clean, safe and hygienic condition. Maintaining records as required by Environmental Health Department Daily Fridge and freezer temperatures, Cleaning schedule etc Ordering Food and other goods as required e.g. cleaning materials. Some ordering is done on line so computer literacy required) Some items come from Booker Wholesale so a driving licence is desirable Portion and waste management Kitchen Budget control Planning balanced nutritional seasonal menus (produced on computer) with full ingredients list Basic cleaning and laundry tasks as required to support the general housekeeping standards of the nursery Occasionally produce meals or snacks for special occasions or events such as Christmas lunch and parties Very occasionally required to work overtime. Regular support meeting with member of management team.

Person specification

Passionate about feeding children

Ability to cook a range of dishes from our tried and tested 6-week rotating set menu

An excellent understanding of food hygiene regulations and Safer Food Better Business practice

Highly organised, able to use initiative and be self-motivated

Be a good team player with a positive and flexible attitude

Reliable, trustworthy and discrete

Experience

Some experience in catering within the care industry is desirable but is not essential as full training will be provided. Common sense, drive and a passion to work as an essential part of a caring team are more attractive qualities. Some experience of working with children is an advantage as food and mealtimes form a huge part of our daily routine and provide children with many opportunities for learning.

Qualifications

Basic food Hygiene Certificate Essential (Level 2 can be provided in house)

Level 3 in Food Safety is an advantage to start but is required for the role. We work with the Safer Food Group to deliver this qualification. A good standard of literacy and general comprehension is essential for success.

An enhanced DBS

police check

will be required given the nature of the job and two references are required prior to starting work.

Clean Driving licence (desirable)

Terms and Conditions

25 hours per week (which includes up to 3 hours per week for shopping/planning/supervision meetings)

8.30 - 1.30 Monday to Friday 52 weeks per year

4 weeks paid holiday per year plus paid Bank Holidays and one additional day's paid leave at Christmas time

Uniform provided

References essential.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 hours per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee discount Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

Kitchen experience: 2 years (required) Cooking for children: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Food Safety Award Level 2 or Level 3 (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Nursery Cook 2025

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 per week

Additional pay:

Performance bonus
Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Nursery Cook 2025