Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and engage with children daily in a friendly nursery kitchen.
- Company: Join the London Early Years Foundation, a family of 40 nurseries dedicated to child development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1,000 salary uplift, generous pension, 70% childcare discount, and up to 35 days off.
- Why this job: Experience a rewarding role where you promote healthy eating and connect with children.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK and a positive attitude; Food Hygiene Level 2 preferred.
- Other info: Receive strong training at our Chef Academy and be part of a supportive chef community.
The predicted salary is between 25800 - 35800 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Nursery Chef – Ford Road Nursery and Pre-School – Full Time, Greater London
col-narrow-left
Client:
London Early Years Foundation LEYF
Location:
Greater London, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
2dd52f4d5459
Job Views:
7
Posted:
18.07.2025
Expiry Date:
01.09.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
Nursery Chef – Full Time – Dagenham, RM10 – £31,806.95 + amazing benefits 6 month fixed term contract
Work in a friendly kitchen and enjoy working with children every day
\”When I arrive at the nursery in the morning, the children\’s faces light up.\” – Conchobar, Senior Chef
We\’re the London Early Years Foundation, or LEYF Nurseries for short; a family of 40 nurseries. Our people love working for us because we focus on the child and their family, and give them the best start in life.
We give you strong in-house training at our Chef Academy. You\’ll work sociable hours in a friendly environment, and you\’ll love interacting with the children in your nursery.
What\’s in it for you?
\”It\’s not just a kitchen job; you get to engage with the children a lot.\” – Bruno, Chef
- An extra £1,000 uplift in your salary (for 40-hour week qualified chefs) when you complete our inhouse Early Years Chef Academy
- Generous pension at 7% from us (1% from you)
- 70% discount on childcare fees
- Up to 35 days off a year, including 8 bank holidays, 3 days off between Christmas and New Year, and your birthday (pro-rated for part-time hours)
- Lots of training, promotions and nurturing work environment
- Sector-leading parental leave
- Many other benefits that take care of you, including access to the Headspace app, shopping discounts, annual conference and money for team celebrations
A bit about the role
\”It\’s a different working environment – a lot friendlier and calmer.\” – Conor, Senior Chef
You\’ll help prepare nutritious meals for children and feel real job satisfaction from promoting healthy eating habits for life. Children love the cooking and food-related activities run by our Chefs.
You\’ll enjoy working with the wider nursery team but also get ownership of the kitchen and suppliers, ensuring a healthy environment and keeping children with allergies safe. You\’ll be part of the LEYF chef community contributing across our settings, sharing ideas and recipes.
You will need:
- The right to work in the UK
- A positive attitude and excited to work with children
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent, or be willing to do the course in the first week of work (paid for by LEYF)
About the nursery
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Ford Road Nursery & Pre-School provides Early Years education and childcare to children from birth to 5 years old. You can find us in Dagenham, not far from Dagenham Heathway tube and Old Dagenham Park. We\’re a light, spacious nursery, with separate rooms and adjoining gardens for different age groups. The nursery has a fully equipped sensory room.
Apply now
Contact us today, our friendly recruiters are waiting to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Nursery Chef - Ford Road Nursery and Pre-School - Full Time employer: London Early Years Foundation LEYF
Contact Detail:
London Early Years Foundation LEYF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef - Ford Road Nursery and Pre-School - Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of the London Early Years Foundation. Understanding their focus on child development and family engagement will help you align your passion for cooking with their ethos during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have working in childcare settings or with children, even if it's informal. This can set you apart as someone who understands the unique environment of a nursery kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would create nutritious meals that cater to children's dietary needs, including allergies. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge in this area will show your commitment to children's health and safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the LEYF community online. Follow their social media pages and participate in discussions. This can give you insights into their culture and may even help you make connections that could benefit your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef - Ford Road Nursery and Pre-School - Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Nursery Chef position. Highlight your passion for working with children and your culinary skills in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, particularly in childcare and cooking. Include any qualifications such as Food Hygiene Level 2 and emphasise your ability to create nutritious meals for children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific reasons why you want to work at LEYF Nurseries and how you can contribute to their mission of promoting healthy eating habits.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Early Years Foundation LEYF
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for preparing nutritious meals and engaging kids in food-related activities.
✨Understand the Nursery's Values
Familiarise yourself with the London Early Years Foundation's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding child development and healthy eating habits.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the nursery team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, particularly in a kitchen or childcare setting.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about the role and the nursery environment. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about training opportunities, kitchen management, and how they support chefs in their roles.
