Regional Early Years Chef

BHUK Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited UK

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Chingford London E4 7BA Until 10/3/2026 First posted July 16, 2026 Last posted August 4, 2026
Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Chingford Day Nursery & Preschool, 76 Station Road, Chingford, London, E4 7BA

Salary – £35,000 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)
Hours - Full time, 40 hours, Monday - Friday

Location – Chingford and surrounding areas

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Regional Early Years Chef to join our London and East division. The role will be predominantly based at our Chingford Nursery, with travel required across the division to cover sickness and annual leave. For this role, a UK driving license is essential.

Our Benefits

  • £35,000 per annum

  • Childcare discount of 50% for first child

  • Enhanced parental leave

  • 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*

  • Pension

  • Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more

  • Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs*

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What we’re looking for

  • Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property

  • Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating

  • Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies

  • Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post

  • Sound knowledge of COSHH

  • Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents

  • Ability to work under pressure

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

​INDLEH

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.


We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.


Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!


We look forward to receiving your application!

About this role

Summary

Prepare nutritious age-appropriate food, manage dietary needs, lead cookery sessions, support nursery activities

Job title

Regional Early Years Chef

Experience level

previous experience

Industry

healthcare

Location requirements

Chingford London, on-site; travel across division required

Salary

£35k+

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

food safetydietary managementcommunicationCOSHH

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

early yearsnutritionfood safetydietary management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Chingford Mount, London E4, UK

On-site City