Nursery Cook

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Exeter is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for young children. Candidates should have previous cooking experience, preferably in a nursery, understand child nutrition, and hold a Food Hygiene Certificate. The role involves maintaining hygiene standards and assisting in food budget management. Join a company recognized for valuing employees and providing attractive benefits, including childcare discounts and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Exclusive discounts & rewards

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a cook in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of young children's dietary needs.
• Ability to follow recipes and food safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for children.
• Maintain high health and hygiene standards.
• Assist in achieving food budgets.
• Monitor stock levels and rotation.

Skills

Cookery knowledge and experience

Understanding of nutrition for young children

Organisational and time management skills

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Passion for preparing healthy meals

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher)

Job description

Base Pay Range

Location: Prince of Wales Road, Exeter United Kingdom

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £12.21 Hour

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

About The Role

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious meals and creating healthy eating habits for young children? We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Cook to join our team and provide wholesome meals for the children in our care.

Our cook’s help to produce high standards of meals and food following the company ethos, in line with seasonal availability, financial budgets and reducing carbon footprint/sustainable purchasing. Keen to work within a team and understand other people’s needs. Will follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens, and label procedures and will assist in achieving food budgets.

About The Nursery

Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Exeter, Devon. The nursery run several extra‑curricular activities including Cooking school, Boogie Mites, Yoga, and much more!

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
• There is no dedicated staff parking. University parking is available, but costs and restrictions apply.

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website!

What does the role involve?

• Keen to work within a team and understand other people’s needs.
• Cookery knowledge and experience
• Follow all systems set by Tops including recipes, allergens, and label procedures.
• Maintain relevant Health & Hygiene qualifications.
• Stay up to date with food trends and new methods.
• Assist in achieving food budgets.
• To ensure the kitchen meets the required 5* environmental health certificate.
• Monitor both stock levels and stock rotation.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• A good understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for young children.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including allergy management.
• A passion for preparing healthy, child‑friendly meals.

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.