To plan, prepare, and serve nutritious and delicious meals and snacks for the children at Little People Preschool and Nursery, ensuring adherence to dietary requirements, allergies, and food safety regulations. To create a positive and enjoyable mealtime experience for the children, promoting healthy eating habits and supporting their development.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Planning:
Develop creative and balanced weekly menus that meet the nutritional needs of children aged 3 months to 11 years, considering dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences. Menus should be varied, appealing, and introduce children to a wide range of flavors and textures. Involve children in menu planning where appropriate.
Food Preparation & Cooking:
Prepare and cook all meals and snacks on-site, ensuring high standards of food hygiene and presentation. This includes baking, grilling, steaming, and other cooking methods as appropriate. Focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible.
Dietary Requirements & Allergies:
Maintain accurate records of children's dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring all staff are aware and that meals are prepared accordingly. Take responsibility for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring the safety of children with allergies. Implement and maintain a robust allergy management system.
Stock Management:
Manage food stock levels, placing orders with approved suppliers and ensuring proper storage and rotation of ingredients. Minimize food waste and maintain a clean and organized kitchen and storage area. Monitor food costs and work within a budget.
Hygiene & Safety:
Adhere to all food safety regulations and hygiene standards, including HACCP procedures. Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, ensuring all equipment is in good working order. Conduct regular cleaning and maintenance checks.
Communication:
Communicate effectively with nursery staff, parents, and children regarding meal plans, dietary requirements, and any relevant information. Engage with children about food and healthy eating in an age-appropriate manner. Provide information to parents about the nutritional value of meals.
Record Keeping:
Maintain accurate records of menus, food orders, deliveries, and any incidents related to food safety or allergies. Keep records of food temperatures and cooking times.
Professional Development:
Attend relevant training courses and stay up-to-date with current food safety legislation and best practices in children's nutrition.
Essential Skills & Experience:
Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a nursery or childcare setting.
A recognized Food Hygiene qualification (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene).
Knowledge of children's nutritional needs and dietary requirements.
Experience in catering for children with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Ability to plan and prepare balanced and nutritious menus.
Excellent cooking and food preparation skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A passion for providing high-quality food for children.
Desirable Skills & Experience:
Experience in using specific dietary software or menu planning tools.
Knowledge of different cuisines and cooking styles.
Experience in baking and preparing homemade meals.
A qualification in catering or hospitality.
Experience in working with children with special dietary needs
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 12.21-13.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Additional pay:
Performance bonus
Yearly bonus
Benefits:
Bereavement leave
Childcare
Company events
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking
Transport links
Schedule: