Are you passionate about healthy food, working with children, and making a difference every day? Join the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) as a Nursery Chef Assistant at our Old Kent Road Nursery and Pre-School in Peckham (SE15 1JB).
This is a part-time position (9 hours per week), working Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, ideal for someone who loves cooking and wants to enjoy sociable daytime hours in a nurturing, family-friendly environment.
👩🍳 About the Role
As a Nursery Chef Assistant, you’ll support our Chef in preparing nutritious, child-friendly meals while ensuring the kitchen remains clean, safe, and welcoming. You’ll play a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits and introducing children to the joy of food and cooking.
You’ll also get to interact with the children, helping to make food an enjoyable part of their learning experience. This is more than a kitchen job — it’s an opportunity to inspire young minds through healthy, creative meals.
🌟 What’s in It for You
Working with LEYF means joining one of the UK’s most respected early years education charities — with over 40 nurseries across London and a mission to give every child the best start in life.
Benefits include:
- 💷 Sociable hours – no evenings or weekends
- 🧠 Free training at the LEYF Chef Academy
- 🎂 Up to 35 days off a year, including your birthday & holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
- 💰 7% employer pension contribution (you contribute 1%)
- 👶 70% childcare discount for your own children
- 🎓 Opportunities for promotion and professional growth
- 🎉 Team wellbeing app, annual celebration fund, and more
“It’s not just a kitchen job; you get to engage with the children a lot.” – Bruno, LEYF Chef
🥗 Your Key Responsibilities
- Support the Chef in preparing balanced, nutritious meals for children aged 0–5.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
- Help manage food deliveries and suppliers.
- Follow all food safety and allergy procedures.
- Participate in fun, food-related activities with children.
- Be part of the LEYF Chef community, sharing recipes and ideas across nurseries.
“It’s a different working environment – a lot friendlier and calmer.” – Conor, Senior Chef
✅ What You’ll Need
- The right to work in the UK
- A positive, caring attitude and love for working with children
- Food Hygiene Level 2 (or willingness to complete during your first week – paid for by LEYF)
- Enthusiasm for learning and growing within the LEYF family
🏫 About Old Kent Road Nursery & Pre-School
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, the Bird in Bush Nursery and Pre-School in Peckham offers a bright, spacious, and creative environment for children aged 0–5.
With two outdoor gardens, messy play, science experiments, and cooking activities, it’s a place where children thrive — and where our staff feel proud to work every day.
🕒 Job Details
- Position: Nursery Chef Assistant
- Location: Old Kent Road Nursery & Pre-School, Peckham SE15 1JB
- Hours: 9 hours per week (Tues–Thu, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM)
- Contract Type: Part-Time
- Employer: London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)
📱 How to Apply
If you love cooking, care about children’s wellbeing, and want to work in a friendly, flexible setting — this is the perfect opportunity for you!