Early Years Chef

Early Years Chef

Crawley Full-Time 23000 - 31000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and present nutritious meals for children while managing dietary needs.
  • Company: Join Bright Horizons, a nursery committed to nurturing the next generation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% childcare discount, enhanced leave, and access to virtual GP services.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health and well-being in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cooking, knowledge of dietary requirements, and food safety certification required.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values honesty, excellence, accountability, respect, and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 23000 - 31000 £ per year.

Overview

As an Early Years Chef, you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What we\\\’re looking for

  • Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
  • Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
  • Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
  • Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
  • Sound knowledge of COSHH
  • Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • We are an, inclusive employer and welcome

Nursery

Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary

Starting from £27,617 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location

Crawley

HEART Principles

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: \”I did that.\”

The Benefits

  • Childcare discount of 50% for first child
  • Enhanced parental leave
  • 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave
  • Pension
  • Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
  • Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach (Subject to T&Cs)

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will join Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery and Preschool. The role includes preparing, cooking, and presenting meals to children, managing food waste, and communicating dietary requirements to teams. You will lead cookery club sessions and support other nursery activities. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Application

INDSMWe look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.

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Early Years Chef employer: Bright Horizons

Bright Horizons Crawley Day Nursery and Preschool is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, driven by our HEART principles of Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. As an Early Years Chef, you will enjoy a range of benefits including a generous childcare discount, enhanced parental leave, and access to professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in your care.
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Contact Detail:

Bright Horizons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and allergies that children may have. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy eating environment for the kids.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion for nutrition by preparing a few sample meal ideas that are both nutritious and appealing to children. This can be a great conversation starter during any informal discussions or interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with the nursery community by attending local events or workshops related to child nutrition and cooking. Networking with parents and other professionals can provide valuable insights and connections that may help you land the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience in managing food safety and hygiene standards, as this is crucial in a nursery setting. Being able to articulate your understanding of COSHH and food safety regulations will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Chef

Culinary Skills
Knowledge of Nutrition
Food Safety Management (CIEH L2 or equivalent)
Understanding of Dietary Requirements
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Creativity in Meal Presentation
Experience with Food Allergies
Time Management
Leadership Skills
Adaptability
Customer Service Skills
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous cooking roles you have held, whether in a domestic or commercial setting. Detail your experience with preparing meals for children and managing dietary requirements.

Show Your Passion for Nutrition: In your application, express your enthusiasm for nutrition and healthy eating. Share any experiences where you've inspired others to adopt healthier eating habits, especially in a childcare context.

Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge: Mention your Food Safety CIEH Level 2 certification or equivalent, and ensure you highlight your understanding of COSHH regulations. This will show that you are well-prepared for the role's responsibilities.

Communicate Effectively: Since great communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with colleagues, children, and parents in past positions. This will help illustrate your ability to work as part of a team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons

✨Show Your Passion for Nutrition

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for healthy eating and nutrition during the interview. Share any personal experiences or initiatives you've taken to inspire others, especially children, to embrace a nutritious diet.

✨Demonstrate Dietary Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of managing dietary requirements, particularly food allergies. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've catered to specific needs in previous roles, so have those stories ready.

✨Highlight Communication Skills

Since this role involves working closely with children, parents, and colleagues, emphasise your communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated dietary information or collaborated with teams in past positions.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect to face practical questions or scenarios related to cooking and food safety. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and COSHH, and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations in the nursery setting.

Early Years Chef
Bright Horizons
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  • Early Years Chef

    Crawley
    Full-Time
    23000 - 31000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-05

  • B

    Bright Horizons

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