3 Month Contract With A local Authority

We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Children’s Cook to prepare nutritious, balanced meals for the children within our care environment in Worthing. The role plays a vital part in ensuring our children receive healthy meals that meet dietary, cultural, and health requirements while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

This position is within a social care, non-qualified setting and requires an Enhanced DBS due to the responsibility of working in a child-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook daily meals and snacks in accordance with agreed menus.
  

• Ensure meals meet required dietary, allergen, cultural, and nutritional needs for children.
  

• Adapt recipes as required for individual dietary requirements.
  

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen area.
  

• Ensure compliance with food hygiene legislation and internal procedures.
  

• Conduct daily checks including fridge/freezer temperatures and food storage safety.
  

• Manage stock rotation, food labelling, and safe food disposal.
  

• Assist with meal planning to ensure nutritionally balanced menus suitable for children.
  

• Contribute ideas for seasonal or themed meals and snacks.
  

• Order and monitor stock levels within budget guidelines.
  

• Ensure adherence to all safeguarding responsibilities while working in a children’s setting.
  

• Hold and maintain an Enhanced DBS clearance.
  

• Follow all health and safety guidelines, including reporting hazards and incidents.
  

• Work closely with childcare staff to understand children’s dietary needs.
  

• Communicate any concerns regarding food allergies, dietary changes, or kitchen issues.
  

• Support the wider team during mealtimes as needed.
  

Requirements

• Experience working as a cook or catering assistant, ideally in a school, nursery, care, or childcare environment.
  

• Knowledge of food hygiene standards (Level 2 or higher certificate desirable).
  

• Understanding of dietary needs for children, including allergens and intolerance management.
  

• Strong awareness of health & safety and safeguarding in a child-focused environment.
  

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.