Chef

Nursery Chef
Hours: 25 per week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM, year-round)
Salary: Competitive, with holiday entitlement (4 weeks paid leave plus bank holidays and an additional day at Christmas)
Start Date: ASAP

A dedicated and passionate Nursery Cook is required to prepare nutritious, fresh meals for children and staff in a childcare setting. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that young children receive balanced, high-quality meals while maintaining exceptional hygiene and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook a two-course lunch for up to 50 children and 10 adults, focusing on fresh, nutritious ingredients.
- Accommodate special dietary requirements, including religious and health-related needs.
- Assist in the preparation of tea, collaborating with childcare staff to ensure a variety of options, including sandwiches and a simple tray bake.
- Bake daily low/no sugar items, such as cake or flapjack.
- Ensure that kitchen and equipment remain clean, safe, and hygienic at all times.
- Maintain records in accordance with Environmental Health requirements and food management systems.
- Follow labelling regulations to ensure safe food storage and allergen identification.
- Order food and necessary supplies, with some purchases made online, requiring basic computer literacy.
- Manage portion control, kitchen budget, and food waste efficiently.
- Plan seasonal menus with full ingredient lists using a computer-based system.
- Complete basic cleaning and laundry tasks to support overall nursery standards.
- Occasionally prepare meals for special occasions such as Christmas lunches or parties.
- Induct new staff in food hygiene policies and procedures and contribute to ongoing staff training.

Person Specification;
- Passionate about providing nutritious meals for children.
- Ability to cook a variety of dishes from a structured six-week rotating menu.
- Strong understanding of Food Hygiene and Safer Food Better Business practices.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
- A team player with a positive and flexible attitude.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and discreet.

Experience & Qualifications:
- Previous experience in catering within the care industry is desirable but not essential full training is provided.
- Some experience working with children is beneficial, as food plays an essential role in learning and development.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required (Level 1 and 2 can be provided in-house).
- Level 3 Food Safety certification is an advantage and will be required for the role.
- Enhanced DBS check and two references required before starting work.
- A clean driving licence is desirable.

If you are Interested in the role please contact Giles for further information

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.