Chef Assistant

Description:

The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is seeking a dedicated Nursery Chef Assistant to join its Old Kent Road Nursery and Pre-School in Southwark. This part-time opportunity allows you to work in a welcoming, family-oriented environment where you can make a real impact on children’s lives through healthy eating and nutrition.

At LEYF, we believe in giving every child the best start in life, and our kitchen teams play a vital role in achieving that goal. You will support the nursery chef in preparing nutritious, balanced meals that meet children’s dietary needs and promote lifelong healthy eating habits. You will also enjoy meaningful daily interactions with the children and the broader nursery community, making each day rewarding and purposeful.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the nursery chef in preparing fresh, nutritious, and child-friendly meals.

• Promote healthy eating habits among children and support food-related learning activities.

• Help manage kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and supplier coordination.

• Follow all food safety and allergy protocols to ensure a safe environment for every child.

• Work collaboratively with the nursery team and the chef to maintain a positive and efficient kitchen operation.

• Contribute to the LEYF chef community by sharing ideas, recipes, and best practices.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK is required.

• Positive, proactive attitude and enthusiasm for working with children.

• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification (or willingness to complete within the first week—fully paid by LEYF).

• Reliability, teamwork, and commitment to maintaining high hygiene and safety standards.

Perks & Benefits:

• £12.21 per hour, paid training, and growth opportunities.

• Free training through the LEYF Chef Academy (with salary uplift upon qualification for full-time chefs).

• Sociable working hours – no evenings or weekends.

• 70% discount on childcare fees.

• Up to 35 days of paid time off annually (pro-rated), including bank holidays and your birthday.

• Generous 7% pension contribution (with 1% employee contribution).

• Access to Wellbeing app, shopping discounts, annual conferences, and team celebration allowances.

• Sector-leading parental leave and supportive working culture.

• Opportunities for career progression and professional development within LEYF.

About the Nursery:

Bird in Bush Nursery and Pre-School, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, offers early years education and care to children aged from birth to 5 years. Located in Peckham, close to South Bermondsey Station, it features spacious play areas, separate rooms for different age groups, and two outdoor gardens. Children engage in creative and educational activities such as cooking, gardening, construction, arts, and science experiments—making it a vibrant and inspiring environment for both staff and children.

About LEYF (London Early Years Foundation):

The London Early Years Foundation is one of the UK’s leading social enterprises, operating over 40 nurseries across London. LEYF focuses on giving every child the best start in life through high-quality early education and strong community connections. Their Chef Academy and inclusive culture make LEYF an outstanding employer for those who value purpose-driven work and ongoing professional growth.