Nursery Cook / Childcare Cook

Location: Headingley, Leeds
Hours: Monday–Friday | Daytime hours
Salary: Competitive

About the Role

We are recruiting a Nursery Cook / Childcare Cook to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 years at our friendly Headingley nursery.

This role is ideal for an experienced Cook, Nursery Cook, School Cook, or Kitchen Assistant who enjoys working in an early years environment and takes pride in high food standards. You will manage the nursery kitchen, follow a set menu, and have the freedom to introduce ideas and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook healthy, balanced meals for young children
  • Follow food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety regulations
  • Cater for dietary requirements and food allergies
  • Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen
  • Monitor stock levels and support ordering supplies
  • Work closely with nursery staff to ensure smooth mealtimes
  • Create a safe and positive dining experience for children

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Previous experience as a Nursery Cook, School Cook, Cook, or Kitchen Assistant
  • Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and allergen awareness
  • Experience preparing meals for groups or children (preferred)
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills
  • Reliable, flexible, and able to work independently
  • Passion for cooking fresh food from scratch

Qualifications (Desirable)

  • Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)
  • Catering or kitchen experience within nursery, school, care, or hospitality settings

Benefits

✔ Competitive salary
Monday–Friday working hours (no evenings or weekends)
3% annual performance bonus
28 days holiday (pro rata)
✔ Company pension scheme
✔ Flexible working options
Discounted childcare across our nurseries
✔ Free tea & coffee
✔ Hot lunches
✔ Uniform provided
✔ All-expenses-paid Christmas awards ceremony
All-expenses-paid volunteering opportunity in Malawi

Safeguarding

Children’s Corner is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £12.50-£13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Childcare
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Employee discount
  • On-site parking

Work authorisation:

  • United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

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