Nursery Cook / Chef for Green Park Day Nursery

About the role

Join Childbase Partnership as a Nursery Cook/Chef at Green Park Day Nursery in Reading. You will be responsible for preparing wholesome meals for up to 105 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, on a fixed‑term contract running until May 2027, working 37.5 hours per week across alternating shifts.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a varied menu using fresh ingredients, providing suitable alternatives for allergies and dietary requirements.
• Maintain 5‑star hygiene standards, applying COSHH, allergen control, manual handling and environmental health legislation.
• Manage the kitchen budget in partnership with the Nursery Manager and Co‑Cook.
• Lead, mentor and support the Kitchen Assistant while fostering respectful relationships with staff, children and parents.

Required profile

• Professional catering experience with a passion for healthy, child‑focused meals.
• Attention to detail and knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and food‑hygiene regulations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Collaborative attitude, able to work closely with the Nursery Manager and co‑workers.

Required skills

• Food Hygiene training.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations.
• Allergen management.
• Manual handling competence.
• Understanding of environmental health legislation.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave (23‑28 days) plus paid bank holidays and up to 20 Partnership Reward Days.
• Family childcare discounts of up to 75% for parents and 40% for grandparents.
• Wellbeing benefits: free meals, mental‑health support, flu jabs, eye‑care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
• Career development through team inset days, online training and apprenticeships.
• Employee‑owned partnership with annual tax‑free dividends and a strong charitable ethos.