Job Description
Nursery Early Years Chef
Colliers Wood, SW19 | £33,696 | Full-Time | Daytime Hours
Join a supportive, family-run nursery where your work has a real impact on children’s wellbeing.
Location: Colliers Wood, SW19
Salary
- Up to £33,000 per year
Job Type
- Full-time, Permanent
- Monday–Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm (40 hours per week)
About Funky Owls
Funky Owls Nursery is an independent, family-run setting focused on creating a positive, supportive environment for both children and staff.
We understand how important nutrition is in early childhood — and our kitchen plays a key role in delivering high-quality care every day.
The Role
As our Nursery Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen in our 68-place nursery.
You will:
- Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals for children
- Manage the kitchen safely and efficiently
- Ensure high standards of hygiene and food safety
- Cater for dietary requirements and allergies
- Order stock and manage kitchen supplies
- Occasionally support with light housekeeping duties
This is a role where you can take real ownership and make a daily difference.
Requirements
- Experience as a chef (nursery, school or similar setting preferred)
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (essential)
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
- Organised, reliable, and able to work independently
- A genuine interest in children’s health and wellbeing
Job offers will be dependent on Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) checks and at least 2 valid and up to date references. Any applications including personal details will be deleted from our records after 6 months. Please contact us directly if you require further information on our Data Protection Policy.
Funky Owls Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all those applying for a vacancy to share this commitment. We follow our safe recruitment policy each time we recruit an individual to join our team.
Benefits
What we offer
- 28 days annual leave (increasing with service)
- Birthday off
- Christmas closure
- BUPA Healthcare Cash Plan
- Company pension
- Paid training and CPD
- 4 staff training days per year (nursery closed)
- 1-hour lunch break (off the floor)
- Supportive, friendly team environment
- Job stability in a well-established nursery
Nursery Name
Funky Owls Nursery is situated in the heart of Colliers Wood, just a stone's throw from the underground, and local bus routes, making the setting the perfect choice for busy working parents and enthusiastic Early Years professionals.
Behind our doors, you will find a beautifully sustainable, natural environment, where children are excited to learn, and practitioners are excited to teach.
At the same time, nestled amongst the Wandle Park, Colliers Wood Recreation Ground, and on the doorstep of Merton Abbey Mills, there is an abundance of opportunities for our children to extend their learning beyond the setting on their daily excursions. We believe our children should have the opportunity to explore their local surroundings and be involved in their local community.
At Funky Owls Nursery, our ethos is to follow each child's lead, to enhance their learning, so they can become their best self.