Nursery Chef

This is an IT support group; Worksop; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Reports To: Nursery Manager

Annual Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays

Hours: 25 hours a week.

Depending on the size of your nursery, your shift pattern may vary. However, in general our Nursery Chefs start at 8am and finish just after lunch time. These hours are great for those who are parents with school-aged children. As part of your role, some evening and weekend work will be required. This will be paid off or given back as TOIL - and we’ll let you know arrangements ahead of time.

As a Nursery Chef, you will be responsible for preparing healthy and nutritious snacks and meals for all children by accurately following Cherubs Nurseries Menus. You will carefully adapt these for young babies and those with allergies or dietary requirements, ensuring their individual needs are met. On a daily basis, you will take ownership of the successful running of the kitchen following both Cherubs Nurseries and Government food safety guidelines. You will undertake all kitchen-related duties including washing up, cleaning and food preparation, cooking and record keeping. An understanding of food safety and what this means in the workplace is essential. A full UK driving licence or close proximity to the nursery is essential for this role and you may be required to cover at close by nurseries to cover absence when needed.

Due to the changing nature of the service we provide, this job description will not be an exhaustive list of all your duties. Cherubs Nurseries reserves the right to amend this job description should it be deemed necessary. You have a personal and professional responsibility to inform us immediately of any change in your circumstances that might affect your suitability to work with children.

Description of Duties

Deliver: Deliver an amazing service, for both our children and families

1. Prepare and cook healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, from approved Cherubs Nurseries menus.
2. Take an active role championing cooking and baking across all areas of the nursery, this could include baking with children and preparing additional food for nursery events including Parent’s Evening and Summer Fair.
3. Remove kitchen waste regularly (appropriately and hygienically) disposing of in the correct bins.
4. Ensure all meals are ready at the correct times making sure company and setting deadlines and guidelines are met.
5. Complete the weekly ordering of food and contact Head Office (via telephone) for payment to be made.

Take Ownership: Take ownership in everything, always being honest and transparent

1. Maintain a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen.
2. Maintain and clean kitchen equipment such as the oven, microwave, fridge and freezers.
3. Maintain adequate stock levels of food, ensuring there is enough for the week’s cooking but not too much that food goes bad.
4. Ensure good stock rotation in cupboards, fridges and freezers.
5. Ensure correct temperature of all food, especially high-risk food before service.
6. Be aware of health and safety legislation which is relevant to the nursery kitchen.
7. Ensure the Nursery Kitchen Operations Pack is followed and kept up to date at all times.
8. Wear the Cherubs Nurseries uniform provided in accordance with the company “Dressed Service” guidelines.
9. Report any accidents to management and ensure that any injuries are appropriately dealt with.
10. Ensure First Aid boxes in the kitchen are stocked and maintained.

Commit: Commit to continuous improvement, always strive to be and do the best

1. Keep accurate records of fridge and freezer temperatures.
2. Report any defective equipment which may need repairing to your Nursery Manager.
3. Ensure food hygiene training and certificates are always up to date.
4. Take the lead in Environmental Health Inspections where you will aspire to achieve a ‘5’ grading.
5. Attend both in-house and external training, as required. Some of this may be outside of working hours, for example on a weekend.
6. Complete all PLA training that is relevant to your role, ensuring this is completed within 7-days of issue.

Embrace: Embrace creativity and innovation - these are what keep our service fresh, unique and inspiring

1. Attend the bi-annual “Blend” Meeting where you get to meet with other Nursery Chefs from across Cherubs Nurseries to discuss menus, practice and ideas.

Build: Build a positive and progressive team environment where everyone is united and able to shine

1. Take an active role in the Induction of new team members to ensure they are aware and competent in all food safety measures and legislation.
2. Ensure Childcare Team members entering the kitchen have received the correct training and are wearing the correct protective clothing (PPE).
3. Support in other areas of the nursery to ensure a successful operation including doing laundry.
4. Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of your job role.

Your Qualifications And Experience

1. Educated to GCSE Level (or equivalent)
2. Qualification in Culinary Skills or Catering such as City & Guilds (or equivalent in experience)
3. Food Safety in Catering Certificate
4. 2 years’ experience working in a catering or hospitality environment
5. Experience of catering for individuals with allergies and dietary requirements is advantageous but not essential
6. Experience of preparing food for young children is advantageous but not essential