Nursery Chef - Islington

Working Days: Monday-Friday 

Working Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm

Salary: £26,500-£28,000

Holiday entitlement: 30 days (inclusive of bank holidays and a day for their Birthday) 

An extra week off at Christmas (Not taken out of Holiday entitlement) 

We are looking for a chef at the setting that would need at least 2 years experience of working as a chef in an early years setting. 

Requirements:

1. Qualifications and Training

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above): Essential to ensure safe preparation, storage, and handling of food.
• Allergen Awareness Training: Required to manage allergies and prevent cross-contamination.
• Paediatric Nutrition Knowledge: Understanding of the nutritional needs of children under 5.
• Health & Safety Training: Including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and kitchen safety.

2. Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to prepare balanced, age-appropriate meals (e.g. suitable portion sizes, textures for weaning, reduced salt/sugar).
• Awareness of dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, halal, cultural preferences, and medical needs).
• Knowledge of food storage and rotation (temperature checks, stock rotation, waste reduction).
• Menu planning to meet EYFS welfare requirements and government guidance on children’s nutrition.

3. Legal & Safeguarding Requirements

• DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service): Mandatory for working in an early years setting.
• Understanding of Safeguarding: Awareness of procedures if concerns about a child’s welfare arise.
• Compliance with Ofsted and Local Authority standards.

4. Practical Requirements

• Maintain clean and safe kitchen practices in line with Environmental Health standards.
• Ability to work within budget constraints while still providing nutritious meals.
• Good organisation to manage meal times for multiple age groups.
• Clear communication with staff about children’s individual dietary needs and allergies.

5. Personal Attributes

• Patience and adaptability to meet the needs of a changing nursery environment.
• Team player – working closely with nursery staff to ensure children’s needs are met.
• Passion for cooking and providing healthy meals that support children’s growth and development.

Best Start Recruitment want to help you to make the right choice in your next career move. If you meet the criteria set above, or would like Early Years Career advice please apply ASAP for an informal and confidential chat. 

We cater for all Early Years jobs and currently have Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, QTS, Montessori, Room Leader and Early Years Practitioner / Nursery Nurse vacancies