Why Join Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee—you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.
Job Details
* Location: Wimborne United Kingdom
* Job type: Full Time Permanent
* Salary: £13.21 per hour
* Contracted hours: 35 hours per week
About the Role
Are you passionate about preparing nutritious meals and creating healthy eating habits for young children? We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team and provide wholesome meals for the children in our care.
The cook will help produce high standards of meals and food following the company ethos in line with seasonal availability, financial budgets, and reducing carbon footprint/sustainable purchasing. The cook will work within a team, understand other people’s needs, follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens and label procedures, and assist in achieving food budgets.
Responsibilities
* Keen to work within a team and understand other people’s needs.
* Cookery knowledge and experience.
* Follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens, and label procedures.
* Maintain relevant Health & Hygiene qualifications.
* Stay up to date with food trends and new methods.
* Assist in achieving food budgets.
* Ensure the kitchen meets the required 5* environmental health certificate.
* Monitor stock levels and stock rotation.
Qualifications
* Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
* A good understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for young children.
* Strong organisational and time management skills to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
* A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
* Knowledge of food safety regulations, including allergy management.
* A passion for preparing healthy, child‑friendly meals.
Safeguarding
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
* Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
* Be eligible to work in regulated roles, not on the Children’s Barred List.
* Successfully complete background and reference checks.
Benefits
* Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
* Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
* Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
* A generous holiday allowance, including your birthday off and a wellbeing day
Equal Opportunities
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
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