We are looking for a Nursery Chef / Cook to join our warm and welcoming team at The Nook Nursery in Leyton E10, just a short distance from Walthamstow.
This is a part-time, daytime chef role (Monday to Friday, no evenings or weekends, ideal for someone who enjoys cooking fresh, nutritious meals in an early years setting.
At The Nook, food is an important part of our day. We provide freshly prepared meals and snacks using seasonal ingredients, supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and positive eating habits from an early age.
Learn more about our approach at the Nook Nursery here
Pay
• £14.50 per hour
Key Responsibilities – Nursery Chef Role
• Preparing fresh, healthy meals and snacks for children aged 0–4 in a nursery setting
• Planning simple, balanced menus in line with EYFS and nursery guidelines
• Managing food allergies and dietary requirements safely, including allergen awareness
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen
• Completing daily kitchen checks, including temperature logs and food safety records
• Ordering, managing, and organising stock and kitchen supplies efficiently
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety and health and safety regulations
Nursery Chef Requirements
• Experience working as a chef, cook, or kitchen assistant (nursery or school experience desirable)
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, food safety, and kitchen compliance standards
• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Confident understanding of allergens and dietary requirements
• Able to work independently and manage a small kitchen effectively
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage time and daily routines
• A warm, positive attitude and an interest in working within a nursery environment
Hours and Working Pattern
• Monday to Friday
• June start: 10:00am – 2:00pm (20 hours per week)
• From September: increasing to 9:00am – 3:00pm (30 hours per week)
• All year round
Why Join The Nook?
• A calm, home-from-home nursery environment
• Monday to Friday role – no evenings or weekend work
• Supportive and friendly team
• Opportunity to take ownership of the kitchen and menus
• Fresh, seasonal approach to food and nutrition
• Stable role with increasing hours from September
• Small setting where your role is truly valued
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
The Nook Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Apply Now
If you’re passionate about cooking and would enjoy being part of a nurturing early years setting, we’d love to hear from you.
Click button below to send your CV and a short covering note:
Tell us a little about:
• Your experience working as a chef, cook, or in a kitchen environment
• Your experience (if any) preparing food for children or in a nursery/school setting
• Your confidence managing allergens and dietary requirements
• Why this role and The Nook Nursery appeal to you
We’re looking to appoint as soon as possible.
You can also explore more opportunities on our Careers at The Nook Nursery page.