Responsible for the preparation and serving of healthy, nutritionally balanced meals to all children in the setting. Working within the food safety, Health and Safety and other policies and procedures of the nursery, maintaining a safe and hygienic catering environment. Occasionally situations may arise that require the post holder to perform other duties or tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Nursery Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Preferably have experience in catering for children or at least large numbers in excess of 25 per day.
• To be able to provide meals (mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks, plus a two course midday meal and a cooked tea) for the children within the nursery.
• Have relevant food hygiene qualification and have knowledge of food safety, HACCP and COSHH requirements.
• Be able to maintain records and hygiene practices to fulfil the requirements of the ‘Safer Food Better Business’ pack.
• To maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
• Be able to work within company guidelines on menu planning.
• Be flexible in meeting the needs of children’s special dietary requirements and have strict controls in place to ensure the safe delivery of these.
• To work closely with the child-care staff in communicating the dietary needs of all children.
• To work closely with the other nursery cook in devising suitable menus, and ordering the food.
• To be willing to cook for both buildings, in the absence of the other cook where necessary.
• Have high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, both in food preparation and storage areas and in personal presentation.
• Work with room staff to ensure the baby meals are the right consistency and that appropriate weaning foods are available.
• Be able to make fresh meals and not rely on pre-prepared, convenience or packed food stuffs.
• Be able to order appropriate quantities of food to prepare for seasonal menus and baby meal requirements.
• Manage the food budget and be aware of portion control whilst making sure children have enough food.
• Have good communication skills
• To work in conjunction with the Nursery Manager and the Environmental Health department to ensure a 5* rating at all times.
• Be flexible with shifts and working hours to ensure cover over meal times to suit the nursery.
• Set up trolleys for the rooms at appropriate times.
• Help to keep the kitchen organised, clean and tidy at all times and make sure all dishes and utensils are washed and put away quickly after use and trolleys are set up ready for the next meal. Ensure soap, towels and all other products are kept topped up and the appropriate colour coded items are used. Report stock shortages to the manager.
• Clean filters and fans on kitchen appliances using appropriate cleaning materials. Keep fridges, freezers and dishwashers clean.
• Put any deliveries of stock, materials and equipment away.
• Make sure tea towels and cloths are laundered after one use.
• Be able to attend meetings and courses relevant to the role which may be outside nursery opening ours.
• Make refreshments for visitors as required and be able to help with catering for parent’s evening and other nursery events.
• Make sure stock of items for children’s cooking sessions are kept and offer to help colleagues with ideas.
• Ensure the effective and regular removal of waste materials to the designated area and work with the Nursery Manager to ensure regular collection of that waste.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Act as a role model for colleagues and children in personal behaviour, presentation and attitude.
• Take part in periodic supervision meetings which are a two-way communication process to monitor performance and development and to identify any training needs.

In addition, nursery cooks are expected to work within the terms of their contract and employment and adhere to the nursery policies and procedures.

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