Jobs in North Benfleet

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Nursery Chef to join our welcoming team at Just Imagine Day Nursery – Wickford London Road, part of the Family First Group.

Location: 72-74 London Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0AN
Salary: £25,688 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Our latest Ofsted report praised the supportive leadership at the nursery, highlighting a manager who is “responsive and listens to staff” and “continuously strives to improve practice.” You’ll be joining a nurturing, reflective environment where your role is truly valued. The nursery is located on London Road, less than a 10-minute walk away from Wickford High Street. The Wickford train station is just 10 minutes walking distance away. Situated on a main residential road, the nursery has its own car park area with plenty of spaces for drop off/ pick up.

✨ What We Offer
24 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a paid birthday off

75% childcare discount for team members

£750 referral bonus for recommending a friend

Health & wellbeing support, including a confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Tailored training and development opportunities

Excellent transport links and on-site parking

About the Role
As Nursery Chef, you’ll be responsible for preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children each day. You’ll maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, ensure all dietary and allergy requirements are met, and manage food ordering within budget.
You’ll work closely with the nursery team and parents to support children’s health, wellbeing, and overall nursery experience.

Key Responsibilities
Prepare and cook meals daily with minimal waste

Ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are catered for

Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment in line with regulations

Follow Red, Amber and Green plate procedures

Complete hygiene checks and cleaning schedules

Manage food orders to meet budget requirements

What We’re Looking For
Essential:
Experience cooking in a domestic or commercial setting

Strong knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements

Understanding of COSHH

Ability to work within a catering budget

Fluent spoken and written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)

Desirable:
Experience and passion for cooking for young children

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Wickford London Road is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group