Chef

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative Nursery Chef to join our fantastic team at Acorn Nursery, based at Colworth Science Park in Sharnbrook. This is a part-time role, working 16 hours per week on Thursdays and Fridays, with additional hours available to cover holidays and nursery requirements. The position is a fixed-term maternity cover until January 2026.

At Acorn, we take pride in being one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Bedford. With over 35 years of experience, we specialise in nature pedagogy and are committed to the professional development of our employees. We are also proud to have been recognised as a Top 20 DayNurseries group, reflecting our dedication to providing outstanding care.

As a Nursery Chef, you will play a key role in delivering fresh, nutritious, and balanced meals to the children in our care. Using high-quality ingredients, you will prepare seasonal menus that support healthy eating and cater to a range of dietary needs, including allergies and intolerances. Your creativity and passion for good food will shine through, as you encourage children to develop a love for nutritious meals and even involve them in fun cooking activities.

We are looking for someone with a passion for food and a strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations. Previous experience in catering or food preparation is essential, and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate would be an advantage. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a caring, supportive environment where your skills will make a real difference in children’s lives.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent training and career development opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, and a 65% childcare discount. As a not-for-profit organisation, we put the needs of children first, meaning you will be working for a company that truly cares.

If you are ready to bring your passion for cooking into a rewarding role that makes a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of something truly special at Acorn Nursery!

Successful applications will need to provide ‘right to work in the UK’ documentation and undertake a DBS check.  Acorn Childcare is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Benefits

Working at Acorn

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount 
• Generous family leave 
• Christmas closure 
• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays for full year (and the option to buy more) 
• 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans 
• Enhanced pension scheme 
• Cyclescheme 
• Techscheme 
• Length of Service awards 
• Christmas parties 
• Pay advances 
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme