Kitchen Cook (Children's Nursery)

Working hours: 8:00am-4:00pm

• Minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification required

Main Responsibilities

•  Prepare and cook nursery meals for the children attending the nursery in accordance with the nursery menu.

• Take account of special dietary requirements, cultural requirements, medical needs, allergies and intolerances, as directed by senior staff and in line with each child's individual care plan.

• Prepare food safely for children with diagnosed allergies or intolerances and follow all nursery procedures for allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.

• Make appropriate adjustments to meals prepared for babies, for example by blending or adapting food to a suitable stage and texture.

• Ensure meals, snacks and ingredients are clearly identified where required and that allergen information is available and followed at all times.

• Monitor and make daily temperature checks on fridges and freezers and complete documented records appropriately.

•  Monitor and make daily temperature checks of cooked food using the probe and wipes provided, completing documented records appropriately.

•  Monitor stock rotation and control, ensuring that perishable items are used within suppliers' indicated timescales or disposed of appropriately.

• Adhere to government requirements and regulations regarding hygiene, food safety standards and allergen information.

• Maintain a clean and tidy kitchen, disposing of rubbish and unwanted food appropriately and without delay.

• Use clean cloths and tea towels, ensuring they are washed daily.

• Use the hand wash basin provided for washing hands prior to working and after disposing of rubbish or visiting the toilet.

• Adhere to nursery policies on Health and Safety, food safety, safeguarding and infection control.

• Assistance in the kitchen is not usually provided; therefore, cleaning and clearing away form part of this role.

• Ensure all equipment is maintained to a good standard of hygiene and sterilised once per week.

  Allergy and Dietary Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of common food allergies, intolerances and special dietary needs in young children.

• Follow all allergy management procedures, including checking children's dietary and allergy information before preparing or serving food.

• Prevent cross-contamination by using the correct cleaning procedures, storage arrangements, utensils and food preparation methods.

• Immediately report any concerns, mistakes, near misses or incidents involving allergens, food preparation or children's dietary needs to senior staff.

• Work closely with management and room staff to ensure food provided is consistent with each child's recorded dietary requirements and parental instructions as authorised by the nursery.

• Maintain awareness of current food safety and allergen guidance relevant to the role.

  Qualities and Relevant Experience

• All food handlers must hold a minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.

• A food allergy awareness qualification or evidence of relevant training would be an

  advantage.

• Previous experience of preparing meals for children in a nursery, school or similar setting would be an advantage.

The postholder must be able to work independently, manage time effectively and maintain accurate kitchen records.

Safeguarding and Suitability

• The postholder will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check before commencing employment.

•   A DBS registered with the Update Service is preferred.

• The postholder must be suitable to work in an early years setting and comply with all

  nursery safeguarding procedures and safer recruitment requirements.

  Uniform and Appearance

• An overall is provided and must be worn. All staff are expected to provide a spare uniform.

• Kitchen staff must keep hair covered and tied back if long.

• Separate kitchen shoes should be worn and kept exclusively for use in the kitchen.

  Sickness

• Kitchen staff suffering from infectious skin diseases must refrain from working until clear.

• Similarly, stomach upsets would prevent kitchen staff or food handlers from working for 48 hours.

  Salary and Holidays

• These are set in accordance with national requirements.

• The nursery opens 51 weeks per year, closing on certain dates only at Christmas.

• Unless hours are permanently flexible, staff will be given set hours.

• Part-time staff are expected to be prepared to work extra hours if necessary.