At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, nutritious meals for children and staff while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a friendly nursery dedicated to promoting healthy eating and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of annual leave, health support, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health and wellbeing through delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale meal preparation and knowledge of dietary requirements essential.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 € per year.
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. You will be supported by a part-time kitchen assistant; however, you will retain overall responsibility for the kitchen, including end-of-day cleaning and organisation.
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) in London employer: Coin Street Community Builders Ltd.
Coin Street Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and health and wellbeing support, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The nursery's commitment to high standards in nutrition and community engagement makes it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a positive impact on 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) in London
✨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 a sample menu or meal ideas that cater to diverse dietary needs. This will not only showcase your creativity but also demonstrate your understanding of our children's requirements. We love seeing fresh ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience with food hygiene and safety. We take pride in our 5-star rating, so share how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. Show us you’re the right fit for our kitchen!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Coin Street Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Nursery) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition:When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for creating healthy meals for children. Share any experiences or ideas you have about promoting nutritious eating habits, as this aligns perfectly with our values at Coin Street Nursery.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a nursery before, we want to know about your catering experience. Focus on your skills in preparing meals for large groups and managing kitchen operations, as these are key to the Head Chef role.
Be Organised and Clear:Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, so use clear language and bullet points where necessary to showcase your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application via our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you'll find more info about the role there too!
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 would cater to various allergies and special diets, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed kitchen operations, menu planning, and budgeting. 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 effective stock control and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene.
✨Engage with Their Values
Coin Street Nursery values healthy eating and community engagement. Show that you share these values by discussing how you can contribute to creating diverse and culturally inclusive menus that promote healthy eating habits among children.
