Cook

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate Cook to join our nursery team. The ideal candidate will have a love for cooking and a genuine passion for working with children. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

Main Duties

• Cooking two course lunch for up to 50 children and 10 adults with a focus on fresh food
• Provide for special dietary requirements (religious or health related)
• Maintaining kitchen in a clean, safe and hygienic condition.
• Maintaining records as required by Environmental Health Department
• Daily Fridge and freezer temperatures
• Ordering Food and other goods as required e.g. cleaning materials. Some ordering is done online so computer literacy required)
• Portion and waste management
• Kitchen Budget control
• Planning balanced nutritional seasonal menus (produced on computer) with full ingredients list
• Basic cleaning and laundry tasks as required to support the general housekeeping standards of the nursery
• Occasionally produce meals or snacks for special occasions or events such as Christmas lunch and parties
• Very occasionally required to work overtime.
• Regular support meeting with member of management team.

Person specification

• Passionate about feeding children
• Ability to cook a range of dishes from our tried and tested 6-week rotating set menu
• An excellent understanding of food hygiene, Safer Food Better Business practice
• Highly organised, able to use initiative and be self-motivated
• Be a good team player with a positive and flexible attitude
• Reliable, trustworthy and discrete

Experience

Some experience in catering within the care industry is desirable but is not essential as full training will be provided. Common sense, drive and a passion to work as an essential part of a caring team are more attractive qualities. Some experience of working with children is an advantage as food and mealtimes form a huge part of our daily routine and provide children with many opportunities for learning.

Qualifications

• Basic food Hygiene Certificate Essential (Level 1 and 2 can be provided in house)
• Level 3 in Food Safety is an advantage to start and will be required for the role
• An enhanced DBS police check will be required given the nature of the job and two references are required prior to starting work.
• Clean Driving licence (desirable)

Terms and Conditions

• 20 hours per week (plus up to 3 hours per week for shopping/planning/supervision meetings)
• 9.30 – 1.30 Monday to Friday 52 weeks per year
• 4 weeks paid holiday per year plus paid Bank Holidays and one additional day's paid leave at Christmas time
• Part-time hours: 20-30 per week