Nursery Head Cook – Nursery Nursery Nursery Cook

This is a full-time on-site position for a Cook at our Nursery located in Towcester, Northamptonshire.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all elements of food preparation.

Kids Stop Nursery is set in a small, cosy, 3-storey, 17th century cottage which feels like home. We have a brand-new kitchen within the nursery where we prepare all our meals from fresh ingredients. We provide a hot lunch every day from a set 4-week menu which is revised seasonally. Our menus are nutritious, balanced, varied in flavours and texture, and consistently evolving and being improved.

Kids Stop aims to provide the highest standard of food delivery in every aspect. The Cook will be responsible for sourcing high-quality products, within budget.

The Cook must be able to source all ingredients and prepare meals on time, including creating meals that are suitable for preferences (e.g. dairy-free or vegan) and allergies.

The Cook at our Nursery must be organised, quick on their feet and able to communicate clearly and precisely to the Nursery team. We encourage self-serve for our preschool children, so the successful candidate must be able to arrange this.

• Certifications in food safety and hygiene, such as the Food Hygiene Certificate or Level 2 Food Safety or higher.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a similar role is required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and observational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Strong planning and organisational skills; ability to multitask with attention to detail.
• Safeguarding, Food Hygiene, Food Allergens, Dietary Requirements, Nutritional Awareness and First Aid also required.
• Additional qualifications may also be required which can be discussed with the Kids Stop Manager.

8:00 – 18:00, 50 weeks a year.

Kids Stop is closed throughout Christmas from the end of the school term until the start of the new term in January.

28 days including bank holidays. To be requested in advance and approved by the Kids Stop Manager.

Depending on experience, skill set, and agreed hours, from £28,500 per annum. Pay rises are given annually to support with the cost of living and additionally based on good performance during performance reviews at the discretion of the Kids Stop Manager.

Kids Stop is an ever-expanding company that aims to give its employees the opportunity for promotion. Positions are available within management which require a greater responsibility and offer a higher salary.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a 6-month trial period. Based on satisfactory performance and feedback from Kids Stop’s Manager, a permanent position will be offered.

Two satisfactory references and DBS are required for candidates to be successful.

Kids Stop will always support employees to achieve further qualifications and training. Please discuss this with the Kids Stop Manager. Staff meetings are held after work hours and attendance is mandatory. Advance notice will be given. Food and drink are provided.

Your continuous professional development (CPD) will be fully funded by Kids Stop throughout your employment including all essential childcare training, any Kids Stop desired and any further training of your choosing.

• £250 Incentive bonus given for recruiting new, successful team members.
• High-quality branded uniform.
• Company pension.
• Evening meals and events (e.g. theatre show) with other Kids Stop staff.
• Opportunity to attend award ceremonies.
• Employee of the month award, including a personalised trophy.
• Wellbeing basket within setting containing treats.
• Discounted childcare for employees.

To apply, please email Nikki, Kids Stop Manager at