Kitchen Cook (Children's Nursery) in Brighton

Working hours: 8:00am-4:00pm

Minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification required

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook nursery meals for the children attending the nursery in accordance with the nursery menu.
• Take account of special dietary requirements, cultural requirements, medical needs, allergies and intolerances, as directed by senior staff and in line with each child's individual care plan.
• Prepare food safely for children with diagnosed allergies or intolerances and follow all nursery procedures for allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.
• Make appropriate adjustments to meals prepared for babies, for example by blending or adapting food to a suitable stage and texture.
• Ensure meals, snacks and ingredients are clearly identified where required and that allergen information is available and followed at all times.
• Monitor and make daily temperature checks on fridges and freezers and complete documented records appropriately.
• Monitor and make daily temperature checks of cooked food using the probe and wipes provided, completing documented records appropriately.
• Monitor stock rotation and control, ensuring that perishable items are used within suppliers' indicated timescales or disposed of appropriately.
• Adhere to government requirements and regulations regarding hygiene, food safety standards and allergen information.
• Maintain a clean and tidy kitchen, disposing of rubbish and unwanted food appropriately and without delay.
• Use clean cloths and tea towels, ensuring they are washed daily.
• Use the hand wash basin provided for washing hands prior to working and after disposing of rubbish or visiting the toilet.
• Adhere to nursery policies on Health and Safety, food safety, safeguarding and infection control.
• Assistance in the kitchen is not usually provided; therefore, cleaning and clearing away form part of this role.

Allergy and Dietary Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of common food allergies, intolerances and special dietary needs in young children.
• Follow all allergy management procedures, including checking children's dietary and allergy information before preparing or serving food.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using the correct cleaning procedures, storage arrangements, utensils and food preparation methods.
• Immediately report any concerns, mistakes, near misses or incidents involving allergens, food preparation or children's dietary needs to senior staff.
• Work closely with management and room staff to ensure food provided is consistent with each child's recorded dietary requirements and parental instructions as authorised by the nursery.
• Maintain awareness of current food safety and allergen guidance relevant to the role.

Qualities and Relevant Experience

• All food handlers must hold a minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.
• A food allergy awareness qualification or evidence of relevant training would be an advantage.
• Previous experience of preparing meals for children in a nursery, school or similar setting would be an advantage.

The postholder must be able to work independently, manage time effectively and maintain accurate kitchen records.

Safeguarding and Suitability

• The postholder will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check before commencing employment.
• A DBS registered with the Update Service is preferred.
• The postholder must be suitable to work in an early years setting and comply with all nursery safeguarding procedures and safer recruitment requirements.

Uniform and Appearance

• An overall is provided and must be worn. All staff are expected to provide a spare uniform.
• Kitchen staff must keep hair covered and tied back if long.
• Separate kitchen shoes should be worn and kept exclusively for use in the kitchen.

Sickness

Salary and Holidays

• These are set in accordance with national requirements.
• The nursery opens 51 weeks per year, closing on certain dates only at Christmas.
• Unless hours are permanently flexible, staff will be given set hours.
• Part-time staff are expected to be prepared to work extra hours if necessary.