Nursery Chef

Nursery Chef

Reports To

Junior School-Chef Manager

Job Purpose

To plan, prepare, and provide healthy, balanced, and nutritious meals and snacks for children attending the nursery. The Nursery Chef is responsible for maintaining high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness while ensuring meals meet dietary, allergy, cultural, and nutritional requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Menu Planning

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with nursery policies and nutritional guidelines.
• Assist developing varied and balanced menus that promote healthy eating habits.
• Cater for special dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, and cultural preferences.
• Ensure portion sizes are appropriate for different age groups.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and freshness.

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Regulations, HACCP principles, and local authority requirements.
• Complete all required food safety documentation and temperature records.
• Store food safely and correctly to prevent contamination.
• Conduct daily cleaning schedules for kitchen equipment and work areas.

Stock Control and Procurement

• Order food and kitchen supplies within agreed budgets.
• Monitor stock levels and rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
• Minimise food waste and manage inventory effectively.
• Check deliveries and ensure products meet quality standards.

Health and Safety

• Comply with all Health and Safety legislation and nursery policies.
• Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment.
• Report any maintenance, equipment faults, or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a safe environment for staff, children, and visitors.

Communication and Teamwork

• Work closely with nursery staff to support children's nutritional needs.
• Communicate effectively regarding allergies and dietary requirements.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required.
• Promote healthy eating awareness among children and staff.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for healthy eating and children's wellbeing.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Based within the Junior school and nursery kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Manual handling of food deliveries and kitchen equipment may be required.
• Compliance with uniform and personal hygiene standards is essential.

Essential

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience preparing meals in a commercial kitchen, school, nursery, or care setting.
• Knowledge of children's nutritional requirements.
• Understanding of food allergies and special dietary needs.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Catering and Hospitality.
• Experience working within an early years or childcare environment.
• Knowledge of government nutritional guidance for early years settings.
• First Aid awareness

We pride ourselves on:

People first
We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.

Great food, always
Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.

Food education
We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.

Respect in everything we do
Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.

Fresh thinking
New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.