At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, nutritious meals for children and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Coin Street Nursery, dedicated to healthy eating.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for large groups and knowledge of dietary needs.
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
- 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
- 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
Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Salary£33,000 per annum
Additional RequirementsSuccessful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Head Chef in London employer: Coin Street Community Builders
Coin Street Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the health and wellbeing of both its staff and the children in its care. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and creativity, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young lives through nutritious meal preparation. Located in a vibrant community, you will enjoy a dynamic work environment where your culinary skills can shine while promoting healthy eating habits.
Contact Details:
Coin Street Community Builders Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Head Chef in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Coin Street Community Builders. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Coin Street Community Builders
Don't be shy about reaching out to Coin Street Community Builders directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Coin Street Community Builders and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coin Street Community Builders
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
