Nursery Cook

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm.

Location: S62 area, Rotherham.

The role involves preparing lunch and tea, including main courses and desserts, for approximately 75 children across the day.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate main meals and desserts for nursery children

Prepare and serve lunch for approximately 50 children and tea for around 25 children daily.

Create and follow menus that meet children's nutritional needs and promote healthy eating.

Cater for children with allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements, ensuring all dietary information is followed carefully.

Maintain high standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness and food safety at all times.

Ensure food is stored, prepared, cooked and served safely in line with food hygiene regulations and nursery policies.

Monitor food supplies, check deliveries, manage stock levels and minimise food waste.

Maintain accurate records, including temperature checks, cleaning schedules and food safety documentation.

Keep the kitchen, equipment and food preparation areas clean, tidy and organised.

Work collaboratively with nursery staff to ensure meals are served at appropriate times and meet the needs of the children.

Promote positive eating habits and create a welcoming, enjoyable mealtime experience.

Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Previous experience working as a cook, chef or catering assistant, ideally in a nursery, school or childcare setting.

Knowledge of preparing and cooking nutritious meals for young children.

Understanding of food hygiene, food safety and safe food preparation practices.

Good knowledge of food allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements.

Ability to prepare meals and desserts for a large number of children within set mealtimes.

Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise workloads.

Reliable, punctual and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and children's wellbeing.

Desirable

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering qualification or equivalent.

Experience with menu planning and preparing meals in line with early years nutritional guidance.

Knowledge of food allergen management and special dietary requirements.

Basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and children's nutritional needs.

First aid qualification or willingness to undertake relevant training.

Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check

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