Job description:
At Newpark Childcare, we know that great food plays a huge role in children's wellbeing, development, and happiness. That's why we're looking for a passionate and capable Chef who enjoys cooking nutritious meals for young children and wants to be part of a warm, supportive nursery community.
If you take pride in preparing healthy food, enjoy working in a positive team environment, and love knowing your cooking is making a real difference to children every day, we would love to hear from you.
In this role, you'll be at the heart of our nursery, preparing fresh, balanced meals and snacks for babies and young children. Your work will directly support children's growth and development while helping create a positive food culture within the nursery.
You will:
- Prepare healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for babies and children under 5
- Plan and cook meals that meet dietary and nutritional needs
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment
- Follow food safety standards and maintain required records
- Work closely with the nursery team to ensure children receive the best care and nutrition
Why Join Newpark Childcare?
We believe in looking after our team as well as our children. When you join Newpark, you become part of a friendly, supportive workplace where your contribution is recognised and valued.
Our benefits include:
- £16.20 per hour (£33,695 per year)
- Paid lunch breaks
- Healthcare Cash Plan – claim money back on healthcare costs
- Free virtual GP access
- Access to the mProve YOURSELF wellbeing app
- Excellent career progression opportunities
- Extra holiday for great attendance – up to 4 additional days per year
- Loyalty bonuses for length of service (£250-£1,000)
- Special recognition gifts at 7 and 10 years' service
- Monthly "Outstanding Newparker" recognition awards
- Employee referral bonuses (up to £1,000)
- Shopping discounts and vouchers
- Season Ticket Loan
- Family-friendly benefits, including:
- Flexible working options
- 10% childcare discount (subject to availability)
- Workplace Nursery Scheme
- Interest-free childcare deposit loan
- Workplace pension
- Staff parties and social events
- A genuinely supportive team and approachable managers
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who enjoys working around children and understands how important nutrition and safety are in a nursery environment.
You will ideally have:
- Experience cooking for children under 5 (essential)
- Fluent English (essential)
- A Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (preferred – training can be provided)
- A warm, patient, and respectful approach towards children
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- A flexible and positive attitude
- Commitment to safeguarding and protecting children
Join Our Team
At Newpark Childcare, your cooking helps children build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. If you're looking for a role where your work is appreciated and truly meaningful, we'd love you to join us.
Newpark Childcare is an equal opportunities employer. We also are committed to safeguarding children, therefore all applicants will be carefully vetted and subject to reference and suitability checks, including DBS enhanced disclosure.
