We are seeking a caring and passionate individual to prepare nutritious food for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Working alongside our nursery cooks, you will help deliver a balanced, four-week rolling menu featuring sustainably sourced, low-sugar, and age-appropriate dishes. We take pride in using only high-quality, low-fat, and locally sourced meat.

Roles and Responsibilities

As our new Nursery Cook, you will:

• Manage Daily Service: Prepare and serve fresh, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon snacks.
• Provide Essential Cover: Support the team by covering absences and holidays across our nursery settings.
• Collaborate Effectively: Work both independently and cooperatively with management, staff, and children.
• Maintain Excellence: Uphold exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the kitchen.
• Support Individual Needs: Confidently cater for the specific dietary requirements and allergies of each child.
• Ensure Compliance: Work strictly to Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) and COSHH requirements.

Contract

Current Vacancies

Eynsham nursery chef, part-time - Providing cover 2 days per week at our Eynsham setting, Thursdays and Fridays

Bank (variable hours) contract - providing cover for annual leave and other absences.
As a member of our Bank Nursery Cook team, we would contact you to ask if you are available to cover absences and annual leave days for other cooks. 

Location

Providing cover at all 3 of our settings

Bletchingdon Setting – OX5 3DH
Eynsham – OX29 4EH
Farmoor – OX2 9NT

Hours

7.30am – 1.30pm
(Please note we are a 51 weeks a year nursery and this is not a term time position.)

Salary

Eynsham nursery chef, part-time -  £14.90 - £16.73, depending on experience and qualifications.

Bank team hourly rate – Please enquire

Experience

• Professional Background: At least one year of experience cooking in a professional environment is essential.
• Food Safety: While a valid Food Hygiene qualification is preferred, we are happy to provide full training for the right candidate.

Closing Date

Open until appointed

Training and Professional Standards

We offer comprehensive training where required, supported by our established mentoring programme. We pride ourselves on a high level of professionalism and require excellent communication skills to ensure seamless collaboration with the team when planning and preparing meals.

Important Information

Transport: Due to our rural locations and a lack of public transport or pedestrian footpaths on Lower Road, your own transport is essential. Ample free parking is provided on-site.

Physical Requirements: Please be aware that this is a physically active role that involves standing for long periods and manual handling within the kitchen environment.

Safeguarding

Willow Cottage is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK and must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. 

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. Please see our willow-cottage.com/jobs web site for further information.

Competitive and regularly review salary
Flexible working arrangements
50% discount on childcare
32 days annual leave + your Birthday off
Bonus annual leave for long service
Bonus annual leave for Christmas Shopping
Scheme to purchase additional Annual Leave
We support both inhouse and external training
We promote and support many internal career opportunities
We are a family business promoting caring, supportive environment and culture
Refer a friend scheme

Overtime rates  (x1.5)
There is ample free parking on our site
Our staff are able to join the NEST pension scheme
Beautiful countryside setting

For more information about working for Willow Cottage please see our vacancies page