Nursery Cook / Chef
Posted 1 day 12 hours ago by Childbase Partnership Limited
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary. Role: Nursery Cook Catering for up to 105 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old. Location: Green Park Day Nursery, Reading, RG2 6UQ (on Green Park Business Park). Contract: Fixed-term for 12 months (starting June 2026) 37.5 hours/week 52 weeks/year. Working pattern: Monday-Friday Alternating shifts of 07:10-15:40 and 09:00-17:30. Salary: £25,330.50-£31,200 per annum (pro-rata) £12.99-£16.00 per hour.
About usWe've been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in 'careers, not jobs', supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Benefits and culture- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work-life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will-writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
- Prepare wholesome, healthy meals for children using fresh ingredients from a set menu, with suitable alternatives for allergies and dietary requirements.
- Maintain 5-star hygiene standards within the kitchen, with knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation; work with the Co-Cook and Kitchen Assistant to uphold standards.
- Safeguard the well-being and dietary needs of every child and promote healthy eating.
- Collaborate with the Nursery Manager and Co-Cook to contribute to the nursery's profitability by managing the kitchen budget; build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents; lead and mentor the Kitchen Assistant.
- Professional catering experience; ability to prepare and cook a range of foods from a set-menu.
- Knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation; Food Hygiene training.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Open to collaboration and inclusive practice; able to work with colleagues, parents and children in a positive, supportive manner.
- Right to work in the UK; applicants must reside within commutable distance of the nursery; visa sponsorship is not available.
- Safer recruitment checks apply, including an Enhanced DBS check.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We're committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.