Job Overview
Role: Nursery Cook. Catering for up to 128 children aged 6 weeks–5 years old.
Location: Sandfield Day Nursery, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7RH (on the John Radcliffe Hospital site).
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours/week, 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Monday–Friday, alternating shifts of 07:00‑15:30 and 09:00‑17:30.
Salary: £24,316.50–£29,971.50 per annum (pro‑ratio), £12.47–£15.37 per hour.
Why Join Us?
* Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑ratio), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
* Work‑life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
* Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
* Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
* Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
* Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About Us
* We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
* We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
* We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
* We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow, our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About You
* You are passionate about preparing wholesome, healthy meals: You have professional catering experience and can prepare and cook a range of foods from a set-menu, using fresh ingredients, providing suitable alternatives for children with allergies and dietary requirements.
* You are diligent: Your attention to detail, knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation, alongside your Food Hygiene training, will ensure you, your co‑Cook, and your Kitchen Assistant maintain 5‑star hygiene standards within the kitchen.
* You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure the well‑being and dietary needs of every child are met and their understanding of healthy eating is promoted.
* You are collaborative: In partnership with the Nursery Manager and your co‑Cook you will contribute towards the profitability of the nursery by managing the kitchen budget, building respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents and effectively lead and mentor the Kitchen Assistant.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.
Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
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