At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for children while leading fun cookery sessions.
- Company: Bright Horizons, a nurturing and inclusive nursery environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, enhanced leave, and wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and happiness through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary requirements essential.
The predicted salary is between 30659 - 30659 £ per year.
Role Summary: Early Years Chef at Bright Horizons Purley Day Nursery and Preschool located in Purley, London. Working hours are 7:30‑16:30 Monday‑Friday all year round.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare, cook, and present age‑appropriate food for all children with minimum wastage.
- Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and communicated to the team and parents.
- Lead cookery club sessions with children.
- Support other nursery activities such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Previous experience within a cooking role in a domestic or commercial property.
- Pass or ability to pass Food Safety (CIEH L2 or above) on day 1 in post.
- Sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
- Knowledge of COSHH and other relevant food safety regulations.
- Strong communication skills with colleagues, children, and parents.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Enhanced DBS check (and other pre‑employment checks) required before appointment.
Benefits:
- Salary from £30,659 per annum (dependent on qualification(s) and experience).
- Childcare discount of 50% for first child.
- Enhanced parental leave and 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure.
- Pension scheme.
- Wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments and early access to wages.
- Professional development programme and careers coaching.
- Shift options: 40 hours over 5 days.
EEO Statement: Bright Horizons is an inclusive employer and welcomes applicants from all ages and backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered as required. The post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Early Years Chef in London employer: MP Training and Recruitment
Bright Horizons Purley Day Nursery and Preschool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and children. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including childcare discounts and professional development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant community of Purley, this nursery fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and passion for early years education are celebrated.
Contact Details:
MP Training and Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a moment to research Bright Horizons Purley. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to early years care. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a fun recipe that caters to dietary needs. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives the interviewers a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with colleagues, children, and parents, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle pressure, especially in a busy kitchen environment.
✨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 keen on joining our community at Bright Horizons. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Cooking Skills:When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight any previous cooking experience you have. We want to see how you can whip up age-appropriate meals and cater to dietary needs, so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key in this role. Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated with colleagues, children, and parents in the past. We love a good storyteller!
Know Your Food Safety:Make sure to mention your knowledge of food safety regulations and dietary requirements. If you’ve got a Food Safety qualification, shout about it! It’s a big plus for us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Let’s get cooking together!
How to prepare for a job interview at MP Training and Recruitment
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and allergies that children may have. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to these needs while preparing age-appropriate meals. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to children's health.
✨Show Off Your Cooking Skills
If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous cooking experiences or even a sample dish to showcase your culinary skills. This can help you stand out and give the interviewers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with colleagues, parents, and children in past roles. Highlight any experience leading activities like cookery clubs, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage with kids.
✨Be Ready for Pressure
Working in a nursery kitchen can be hectic, so be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure. Share specific examples from your past where you successfully managed busy periods or unexpected challenges, showing that you can keep calm and deliver quality food under stress.
