Early Years Chef

Nursery – Bright Horizons Spitalfields Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – Starting from £31,948.80 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Spitalfields, London

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced Early Years Chef to lead our welcoming, well-established nursery . We are conveniently located close to the famous Spitalfields Market and several over and underground stations including Liverpool Street station and underground, Fenchurch Street station and Cannon Street station

Join a setting where outdoor exploration and hands-on learning are at the heart of every day. Our beautiful, landscaped garden offers endless opportunities for children to get stuck in—from gardening club and mud kitchen play to growing their own fruits and vegetables.

We deliver a rich, well-rounded curriculum designed to support every child’s development, alongside exciting extras like language sessions and Boogie Mites music. With free-flow access between bright, well-equipped rooms and our engaging outdoor space, we foster independence, confidence, and curiosity through activities tailored to each child

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child*
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
• Sound knowledge of COSHH
• Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
• Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. 

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to help.