Nursery Chef

Are you passionate about cooking and nurturing young minds? We have an exciting opportunity for a Nursery Chef to join our welcoming team at Just Imagine Day Nursery – Wickford London Road , part of the Family First Group.

72-74 London Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0AN

£25,688 per annum

35 hours per week

Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Our latest Ofsted report praised the supportive leadership at the nursery, highlighting a manager who is “responsive and listens to staff” and “continuously strives to improve practice.” You’ll be joining a nurturing, reflective environment where your role is truly valued. The nursery is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Wickford High Street and the train station, with ample parking for easy drop-off and pick-up.

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a paid birthday off
• 75% childcare discount for team members
• £750 referral bonus for recommending a friend
• Health & wellbeing support , including a confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Tailored training and development opportunities
• Excellent transport links and on-site parking

As a Nursery Chef, you’ll be responsible for preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children each day. Your role will include:

• Maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety
• Ensuring all dietary and allergy requirements are met
• Managing food ordering within budget

You’ll work closely with the nursery team and parents to support children’s health, wellbeing, and overall nursery experience.

• Prepare and cook meals daily with minimal waste
• Ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are catered for
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment in line with regulations
• Follow Red, Amber and Green plate procedures
• Complete hygiene checks and cleaning schedules
• Manage food orders to meet budget requirements

Essential:

• Experience cooking in a domestic or commercial setting
• Strong knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements
• Understanding of COSHH
• Ability to work within a catering budget
• Fluent spoken and written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)

Desirable:

• Experience and passion for cooking for young children

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts, and this position will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Wickford London Road is part of the Family First Group, where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs.