Chef

Nfamilycareers; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's education provider in Kingston upon Thames seeks a Chef to prepare healthy meals, ensuring compliance with nutritional guidelines and food safety standards. The role requires experience in a professional kitchen, preferably working with children, and a passion for healthy eating. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, including up to 35 days of holiday and performance bonuses.

Benefits

Up to £1,200 annual performance bonus

Up to 35 days holiday

Access to N Academy for learning

Enhanced family leave

40% childcare discount

Referral bonus up to £1,000

Travel support for commuting

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a professional kitchen, ideally with children.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy meals for children.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with nursery teams for mealtime alignments.

Skills

Experience in a professional kitchen

Knowledge of food hygiene

Organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Passion for healthy eating

Flexibility

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chef – N Family Club (Kingston)

Department: Nursery Operations

Location: Kingston upon Thames, London

Compensation: £27,706 - £37,627 / year

Company Overview

We’re more than a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early‑years education provider, proudly certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked the 30th Best Workplace in the UK. At N Family Club, we reimagine early years education with a curriculum‑led approach, fostering creativity and preparing children for the modern world.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy, tasty meals and snacks for children in line with early years nutritional guidelines.
• Ensure all meals meet dietary requirements and manage allergies carefully.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen environment at all times.
• Order and manage stock efficiently to minimise waste.
• Collaborate with nursery teams to align mealtimes with daily routines.
• Support children to develop positive eating habits through engaging presentation and interaction.
• Adhere to all food safety legislation and standards, including HACCP.
• Continuously innovate menus with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a professional kitchen, ideally cooking for children or in an educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate preferred).
• Passion for healthy eating and nutrition for early years children.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, can‑do mindset and flexibility.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary – £27,706 - £37,627, based on experience and dedication.
• Up to £1,200 annual performance bonus.
• Up to 35 days holiday, including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
• £100 annual learning fund, plus access to N Academy (Level 3, Early Years degrees, Forest School & more).
• £100 clothing allowance.
• Enhanced family leave.
• 40% childcare discount and 6 emergency days annually.
• 5‑year loyalty bonus – around‑the‑world trip + 2 bonus weeks off.
• 10‑year loyalty bonus – ‘Out of this world’ experience + 2 extra weeks off.
• Referral bonus – earn up to £1,000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts on groceries, shopping, fitness and more.
• Travel support – season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Socials & wellbeing – annual parties, team events, gym discounts, online fitness.

About the Location

Join our brand‑new 127‑place nursery in the heart of Kingston‑upon‑Thames, South West London. The site is a short walk from Richmond Park and Kingston train station, making your commute as scenic as it is simple.

What You’ll Impact

At N Family Club, we support and celebrate individuality, champion diversity, and give every team member a voice. Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration and a shared passion for early years education. We invest heavily in growth, providing career progression, in‑house training, mentorship and personal development. With innovative environments, top‑tier benefits and a focus on wellbeing, we’re building a workplace where educators thrive.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing

Industry

Education Management

How to Apply

If you think you have what it takes, click apply and fill in our quick (1‑min) application form. For more information about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor page.