London's Leading Nursery Chef Agency – Apply Today for Immediate Start Childcare Catering Jobs
Connecting nurseries and childcare facilities with experienced chefs and cooks since 2015
Team Catering: Your Trusted Partner for Nursery Chef Recruitment in London
Quick Answer: Team Catering is London's premier nursery chef recruitment agency, specializing in connecting qualified childcare catering professionals with outstanding nurseries across Greater London. We provide immediate start positions, competitive salaries, and comprehensive support for both employers and job seekers in the early years catering sector.
As a specialist childcare and nursery catering recruitment agency, Team Catering has been the go-to solution for nurseries seeking qualified kitchen staff since 2015. We understand that quality nutrition is fundamental to child development, which is why we're dedicated to matching the right nursery chefs with the right early years settings.
Our comprehensive database includes over 2,500 registered nursery chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants across London, from Central London's premium nurseries to community childcare centres in outer boroughs. Whether you're a nursery manager looking for emergency kitchen cover or a chef seeking your next career move in childcare catering, we've got you covered.
Why Choose Team Catering?
- 8+ years specializing in nursery and childcare catering recruitment
- 500+ successful placements in London nurseries annually
- 95% client satisfaction rate from nursery partners
- 24-hour emergency cover for urgent kitchen staffing needs
- Enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive vetting procedures
- Ofsted-rated nursery partnerships across all London boroughs
💡 Featured Snippet: What is a Nursery Chef?
A nursery chef is a specialized catering professional who plans, prepares, and serves nutritious meals specifically for children in early years settings. They manage dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural food preferences while maintaining strict hygiene standards and supporting healthy eating education programs.
Hire Nursery Chefs in London | Professional Childcare Catering & Kitchen Staff
Why Choose Team Catering's Nursery Chef Recruitment
- Reliable staffing solutions: Short-term, long-term, and temp-to-perm nursery chef positions
- Emergency cover: Qualified nursery kitchen staff available within 24 hours
- Specialist training: All candidates trained in child nutrition and allergy management
- Compliance assured: Enhanced DBS checks, food hygiene certificates, and EYFS knowledge
- Cost-effective solutions: Competitive rates with no hidden fees or long-term contracts
Our Nursery Chef Recruitment Process
- Initial consultation: Understanding your nursery's specific kitchen requirements
- Candidate matching: Selecting chefs with relevant early years experience
- Rigorous vetting: Enhanced DBS, references, and practical cooking assessments
- Trial placements: Ensuring the perfect fit before permanent placement
- Ongoing support: Regular check-ins and performance monitoring
👨🍳 Featured Snippet: Types of Nursery Kitchen Staff We Provide
- Head Nursery Chefs: Menu planning, team leadership, budget management
- Nursery Cooks: Daily meal preparation, allergy management, HACCP compliance
- Kitchen Assistants: Food prep, cleaning, serving support
- Relief Chefs: Holiday cover, sick leave, and emergency staffing
Nursery Sectors We Serve Across London
Private Day Nurseries
Premium childcare facilities requiring high-quality catering standards and bespoke menu development.
Montessori & Independent Settings
Specialized educational environments with unique dietary philosophies and organic food requirements.
Local Authority Early Years Centres
Council-run nurseries focusing on community nutrition and budget-conscious healthy eating programs.
School Nursery Units
Attached nursery classes requiring integration with school meal services and educational food programs.
Nursery Chef Jobs in London | Childcare Catering Vacancies & Immediate Start Positions
Current Nursery Chef Vacancies - Updated Daily
| Job Title | Location | Hourly Rate | Type | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Nursery Chef Menu planning & team leadership | Central London | £16-18/hour | Permanent | Apply Now |
| Nursery Cook Daily meal preparation for 50+ children | North London | £14-16/hour | Full-time | Apply Now |
| Part-time Nursery Chef Term-time only position | South London | £15-17/hour | Part-time | Apply Now |
| Relief Nursery Chef Flexible cover across multiple sites | West London | £17-19/hour | Temporary | Apply Now |
| Kitchen Assistant Support role, no cooking required | East London | £12-14/hour | Entry-level | Apply Now |
🍽️ Featured Snippet: What Does a Nursery Chef Do Daily?
- 7:30 AM: Kitchen setup, temperature checks, menu review
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast preparation for early arrivals
- 9:30 AM: Mid-morning snack preparation
- 11:00 AM: Lunch cooking begins, allergy considerations
- 12:00 PM: Lunch service and portion control
- 2:30 PM: Afternoon snack preparation
- 3:30 PM: Kitchen cleaning and hygiene checks
- 4:00 PM: Menu planning and inventory management
Types of Nursery Chef Roles Available in London
Full-time Nursery Chef Positions
37.5 hours per week, typically 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Includes menu planning, staff supervision, and budget management responsibilities.
Salary: £24,000 - £32,000 annually
Part-time & Job-share Opportunities
Flexible hours including school-time only positions, perfect for work-life balance. Morning or afternoon shifts available.
Rate: £14 - £18 per hour
Temporary & Maternity Cover
Short-term assignments from one week to six months. Ideal for gaining experience across different nursery environments.
Rate: £15 - £20 per hour
Live-out Community Kitchen Jobs
Local nurseries within walking distance or short commute. Build relationships with families and become part of the community.
Rate: £13 - £17 per hour
📊 Case Study 1: Emergency Kitchen Staffing Success
The Challenge: Little Stars Nursery in Clapham faced an emergency when their head chef called in sick on Monday morning, leaving 45 children without lunch provision. The nursery manager contacted Team Catering at 8:00 AM, desperate for immediate cover.
Our Solution: Within 2 hours, we deployed Sarah, an experienced nursery chef with allergy management expertise, to take over the kitchen. She arrived with her full kit and immediately began preparing a nutritious lunch using the nursery's existing ingredients.
The Result: Not only was lunch served on time, but Sarah received praise from parents for the quality of meals. The nursery extended her contract for the full week, and she's now their regular relief chef.
Key Metrics:
- Response Time: 2 hours
- Children Fed: 45
- Parent Satisfaction: 100%
- Contract Extension: 5 days
📊 Case Study 2: Permanent Placement Success Story
The Challenge: Bright Beginnings Nursery in Islington had been searching for a head nursery chef for 3 months. Previous candidates lacked early years experience, and the temporary staff costs were becoming unsustainable.
Our Approach: We identified Marcus, a qualified chef with 5 years' nursery experience, currently seeking a career change from restaurant work. After a successful trial day and positive feedback from staff and children, he was offered the permanent position.
The Outcome: Marcus transformed the nursery's food program, introducing a new seasonal menu and establishing a vegetable garden project. Six months later, the nursery achieved an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted, with special commendation for their nutrition program.
Key Metrics:
- Placement Time: 3 weeks
- Nursery Rating: Outstanding
- Staff Satisfaction: 95%
- Menu Innovation: Complete overhaul
What Our Clients Say
"Team Catering literally saved our nursery during a staffing crisis. Their ability to find a qualified chef within hours is unmatched. We couldn't operate without their support!"
"As a chef looking for a meaningful career change, Team Catering understood exactly what I needed. They matched me perfectly with a nursery that values nutrition and child development."
"Their understanding of early years nutrition goes beyond just finding staff. Team Catering genuinely cares about the children's health and development. Highly recommended!"
"Professional, efficient, and genuinely passionate about early years catering. Team Catering has been our go-to recruitment partner for the past three years."
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How quickly can you find a nursery chef?
We can provide emergency cover within 2-4 hours for urgent needs, and for permanent positions, we typically present 3-5 qualified candidates within 1-2 weeks.
💼 What qualifications do your nursery chefs have?
All our nursery chefs have minimum Food Hygiene Level 2 certification, Enhanced DBS checks, and either culinary training or substantial early years catering experience. Many hold additional nutrition qualifications.
💰 What are the salary ranges for nursery chefs?
Nursery chef salaries range from £22,000 to £35,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role requirements. Part-time and temporary roles are typically paid £14-£20 per hour.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Nursery Chef Role?
Whether you're a nursery seeking top culinary talent or a chef passionate about child nutrition, Team Catering is your trusted partner.
