Nursery Chef

Head Cook / Nutritional Co-ordinator

📍 Location: South Hornchurch

📑 Reports to: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Head Cook to take responsibility for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 years. This role ensures that children receive a healthy, balanced diet while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and budget management. The successful candidate will also oversee kitchen organisation, stock control, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Working hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday all year round.

Key Responsibilities:

Meal Planning & Preparation

Plan menus in line with healthy eating guidelines, dietary requirements, and nursery policies.

Prepare and cook meals daily for children aged 0–5 years.

Ensure meals are balanced, age-appropriate, and meet cultural and allergy needs.

Support allergy and dietary requirements to the highest standard.

Food Purchasing & Stock Control

Purchase food and provisions within agreed budgets.

Unpack deliveries, ensuring correct storage and rotation of stock.

Maintain stock control and order supplies from competitive suppliers.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

Ensure compliance with all food hygiene and health & safety regulations.

Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment at all times.

Carry out regular risk assessments and monitor hygiene practices across catering areas.

Wash up all equipment and utensils used, and complete deep cleaning routines as required.

Maintain up-to-date Food Hygiene Certificates and attend relevant training.

Teamwork & Co-ordination

Work closely with the Nursery Manager to plan menus and budgets.

Coordinate with staff to ensure smooth serving of meals within the nursery.

Support staff understanding of children’s nutritional needs.

Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and professional appearance in line with nursery policy.

Requirements

Proven experience in catering or food preparation (preferably in a childcare or educational setting).

Knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition for children aged 0–5 years.

Up-to-date Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).

Strong understanding of health & safety and food handling regulations.

Ability to manage budgets and maintain accurate records.

Good organisational and communication skills.

Desirable:

Experience working in a nursery, school, or similar environment.

Paediatric food allergy awareness training.

Additional catering or nutrition qualifications.

Benefits

Competitive salary.

Training and support for professional development.

Supportive working environment within a childcare setting.

The opportunity to play a vital role in children’s health and wellbeing.

Regular working hours with weekends off.