At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, nutritious meals for children and staff in a busy nursery environment.
- Company: Join Coin Street Nursery, a community-focused organisation dedicated to healthy eating.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, health support, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy, delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale meal preparation and knowledge of dietary requirements essential.
Coin Street Nursery is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our friendly and dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating fresh, nutritious meals from scratch and is committed to promoting healthy eating for young children. While experience in a nursery or similar setting is desirable, it is not essential. We welcome candidates with strong catering experience in preparing meals at scale who share our values around nutrition and quality.
We operate a busy nursery, preparing meals for up to 80 children and staff daily. The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to manage their own workload, and committed to maintaining high standards across all areas of the kitchen. We are proud of our 5-star food hygiene rating and our excellent standards of cleanliness. Maintaining health and safety, food hygiene, and compliance will be central to your role. Working within a set budget, you will also be responsible for effective menu planning, stock control, and food purchasing, ensuring meals remain fresh, healthy, and varied. You will play a key role in meeting the diverse dietary needs of our children. A strong understanding of allergies, intolerances, and special diets is essential to ensure every child receives safe, high-quality meals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals for children and staff
- Manage kitchen operations, including ordering, stock control, and budgeting
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
- Cater for a range of dietary requirements, including allergies and cultural preferences
- Lead and organise daily kitchen activities effectively
We are looking for a Head Chef who can demonstrate:
- A current Food Hygiene Certificate
- Significant experience preparing a wide range of meals in a non-domestic setting for large groups, ideally including young children
- Experience in menu planning, ordering, and stock management
- Strong knowledge of dietary requirements, food hygiene, and health & safety
- Good literacy, numeracy, and budget management skills
- The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues and children
- A proactive approach to contributing to service development, including diverse and culturally inclusive menus
In return, we can offer you:
- 35 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata for part time staff
- 8% contributory pension scheme (5% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution)
- Health and wellbeing support, including online mental health therapy sessions
- Free gym membership at Colombo, annual flu jabs
- Commitment to training and development
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £33,000 per annum
To Apply: To apply, please download and complete the application form. Once completed, submit your application via email. Please visit our website if you require more info. Due to Safer Recruitment guidance, please note that additional documents, such as CVs, will not be considered.
Successful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Closing Date: Please send your application by midnight on 21 June 2026.
Head Chef (Nursery) employer: Coin Street Community Builders Ltd.
Coin Street Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its staff and the children they serve. With a strong commitment to healthy eating, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave and health and wellbeing support, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. The nursery's focus on community engagement and lifelong learning creates a fulfilling environment for those passionate about making a positive impact in children's lives.
Contact Detail:
Coin Street Community Builders Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Nursery)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show us how your passion for healthy eating aligns with what we do. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your A-game when it comes to showcasing your culinary skills. If you can, prepare a sample menu or dish that highlights your ability to cater for diverse dietary needs. We love seeing creativity in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; share specific examples of how you've managed kitchen operations before. We want to hear about your budgeting skills and how you’ve kept things running smoothly under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, be proactive! Ask questions about our current menu and how you could contribute to its development. Show us that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re excited to be part of our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Nursery)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to check out our website. Understanding our values and what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our team.
Show Off Your Skills:When filling out the application form, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in catering and kitchen management. We want to see how your skills can contribute to creating nutritious meals for our little ones!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the Head Chef role at Coin Street Nursery.
Submit Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to send in your application. With a high volume of applicants expected, getting your application in early will give you a better chance to stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coin Street Community Builders Ltd.
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements, especially for young children. Be ready to discuss how you can create balanced meals that cater to various allergies and cultural preferences.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed kitchen operations, menu planning, and stock control. Highlight any experience you have in a nursery or similar setting, even if it's not extensive.
✨Demonstrate Organisation Skills
Since the role requires managing a busy kitchen, be prepared to talk about how you stay organised under pressure. Discuss your strategies for maintaining cleanliness and high food hygiene standards while preparing meals for large groups.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and communicate effectively with children. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment and how you plan to inspire those around you in the kitchen.
