Description

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