Nursery Cook
Accountable to: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager Position: Full Time – Monday to Friday Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm Contract: All Year Round
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare fresh, nutritious, and well-presented meals for children under five, following our current menus.
* Manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
* Maintain awareness of all children’s special dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, cultural requirements, and vegetarian or vegan diets.
* Follow health and safety procedures (e.g. risk assessments, COSHH, RIDDOR) and keep the Safer Food, Better Business file up to date.
* Adhere to food hygiene standards, including temperature checks and daily monitoring.
* Complete food orders within budget and ensure timely deliveries.
* Never leave the kitchen unattended when the cooker is in use, and ensure that children are not permitted in the kitchen area.
* Undertake any additional training as required by current guidelines.
Daily Tasks
* Prepare healthy snacks and meals throughout the day for all age groups.
* Cater to individual dietary and developmental needs, including weaning stages.
* Keep all kitchen areas safe, clean, and well‑organised in line with health and safety regulations.
* Clean all equipment and materials daily, completing the necessary paperwork for evidence.
* Report faulty equipment immediately and remove it safely from use.
* Rotate and monitor stock, completing weekly food orders in line with expected child numbers.
* Regularly defrost fridges and freezers to maintain efficiency.
* Provide recipes and equipment for staff to support children’s cooking activities.
* Check frozen food weekly, disposing of out‑of‑date items and recording any waste with explanations.
* Work collaboratively with the nursery team, promoting high morale and maintaining Little Giggles Nursery’s excellent reputation.
This job description is not exhaustive and additional tasks may be assigned by the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
Experience & Qualifications
Required:
* Minimum of 1 year’s experience as a cook.
* Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
* Catering qualification.
Desirable:
* Food Allergy Awareness qualification.
* Experience working in a busy childcare or catering setting.
* Experience preparing meals for large groups and managing varied dietary requirements.
Key Duties
* Prepare all food items as directed, maintaining hygiene and presentation standards.
* Follow recipes and portion guidelines carefully.
* Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
* Keep your workstation clean and organised at all times.
* Assist with cleaning and organisation of the kitchen and equipment.
* Restock items as needed and maintain records of food temperatures and stock use.
* Adhere to all food hygiene and safety standards at all times.
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