Nursery Chef (South West & Cardiff)

Job Title: Regional Relief Nursery Chef Location: South West England & Cardiff (regular travel required across Family Adventures Group settings) Reports To: Kitchen Operations Manager Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday Salary: from £14.05 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement in line with Company policy

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About the Role

Family Adventures Group is seeking an experienced and passionate Regional Relief Nursery Chef to support our nurseries across the South West and Cardiff.

This is a varied and rewarding role providing cover during annual leave, sickness absence, recruitment gaps and new nursery openings. You will play a vital role in ensuring children receive nutritious, balanced and enjoyable meals, whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys travelling between locations, working independently and making a positive impact across multiple nursery teams.

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Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Nutrition

• Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with nursery menus and nutritional guidelines.
• Cater safely for dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, cultural diets and medical needs.
• Ensure meals are presented in an appealing and age-appropriate manner.
• Support healthy eating initiatives across nurseries.
• Maintain accurate allergen information and ensure compliance with allergy management procedures.

Kitchen Management

• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety.
• Ensure compliance with Food Standards Agency requirements and Company policies.
• Complete all required food safety, temperature, cleaning and allergen records.
• Manage stock effectively, minimising waste and ensuring cost-effective ordering.
• Receive, check and store deliveries appropriately.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained and used safely.

Regional Support

• Travel to nurseries across the South West and Cardiff to provide chef cover during holidays, sickness absence, vacancies and other operational needs.
• Quickly build positive relationships with nursery teams and adapt to different working environments.
• Maintain consistent kitchen standards and menu delivery across multiple locations.

Health, Safety and Safeguarding

• Comply with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, COSHH and infection control requirements.
• Promote a safe environment for children, colleagues and visitors.
• Report maintenance, food safety or safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Act in accordance with Family Adventures Group safeguarding procedures at all times.

Teamwork and Professional Conduct

• Represent Family Adventures Group positively whilst working across multiple settings.
• Build effective relationships with nursery managers and teams.
• Support a positive, inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Participate in training, supervision and development activities.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.

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Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Access to a reliable vehicle suitable for regular travel.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience working as a Chef, Cook or Catering Professional.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups.
• Experience managing dietary requirements and food allergies.
• Experience maintaining food safety records and compliance standards.
• Experience managing stock and food ordering.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent understanding of food hygiene legislation and best practice.
• Knowledge of nutritional requirements for young children.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to different nursery environments.
• Good attention to detail and record-keeping skills.

Personal Qualities

• Reliable and dependable.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Positive and professional.
• Passionate about healthy food and child wellbeing.
• Comfortable travelling regularly across multiple locations.
• Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong team player with a "can-do" attitude.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 3 Food Safety Qualification.
• Experience working within an Early Years, Education or Childcare setting.
• Experience as a Relief or Multi-Site Chef.
• Understanding of food budgeting and cost control.
• Experience supporting settings through Environmental Health inspections.

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Benefits

At Family Adventures Group, we believe in rewarding and supporting our colleagues.

As a Regional Relief Nursery Chef, you will benefit from:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
• An additional paid day off on your birthday
• Company pension scheme
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel in line with Company policy
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing confidential support with mental health, wellbeing, financial matters, legal advice and everyday life challenges
• Health and wellbeing support through our wellbeing initiatives and resources
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities across our growing nursery group
• Professional qualifications and development pathways
• Access to internal vacancies and promotion opportunities
• A supportive, values-led culture where colleagues are encouraged to grow and develop
• Recognition and reward initiatives

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Safeguarding Commitment

Family Adventures Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, references, right to work verification and qualification checks.

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Why Join Family Adventures Group?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation and make a genuine difference to children's experiences across multiple settings. If you are an experienced chef who enjoys variety, independence and delivering high-quality nutritious meals, we'd love to hear from you.