Purple Dove are looking for a  Nursery Cook,

Monday to Friday

9am to 4pm

Salary: £12.50 to £13.50ph depending on qualifications and experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company pension
• Friendly team
• Close to public transport and central location

Role Overview:

Are you a Nursery Cook with a background or understanding of mealtimes in as Early Years setting? You will work as part of a thriving team who deliver outstanding care and education to the children in our local community. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and wants to make a difference in the lives of children while working in a team that works towards educational excellence. We are looking for a Nursery Cook who has a passion is supporting children and their families.

The nursery value every team member, invest in professional development and celebrate individual achievements. They are a high-quality focused educator and passionate about safety, wellbeing and development of children. They aim to build a family feel within the nursery, with high levels of love, care and compassion.

About you

• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate – or willing to complete
• Allergy awareness training – or willing to complete
• Paediatric First Aid – or willing to complete
• Experience or understanding of working within an early year setting
• Basic understanding of EYFS and safeguarding
• Understanding of the Ofsted requirements in line with the Nursery Cook role

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the nursery kitchen, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation.
• Adhere to food hygiene, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.
• Plan and prepare varied, balanced menus in line with nursery nutritional guidelines.
• Introduce children to a variety of tastes, textures, and cuisines to support healthy eating habits.
• Prepare meals, snacks, and special dietary alternatives daily, ensuring portion control appropriate to each age group.
• Ensure all allergy and dietary requirements are strictly adhered to, following children’s individual care plans.
• Maintain accurate records of allergens and communicate clearly with staff regarding children’s specific needs.
• Work closely with the Nursery Manager, and wider nursery team to deliver high-quality food provision.
• Support the nursery in promoting positive food experiences for children, including cooking activities and food-based learning.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and compliance audits as required.
• Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor deliveries to ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients are available.
• Work within budget guidelines while minimising food waste.

Please note: We undertake safeguarding checks on all our workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. As part of these checks, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working our nurseries. If you do not have a valid subscription to the DBS Update Service, we will require you to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process.

If you would Like to apply please send your CV to Shama at sj@purpledove.co.uk