Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Job Overview

Our kitchen is the heart of our setting - producing warming breakfasts, nutritious hot lunches, and wholesome teas using fresh, seasonal ingredients. We are always up for a spot of foraging too!

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Assistant Chef to join our busy team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation and a genuine enthusiasm for good, whole foods and sustainable living. As an Assistant Chef, you will play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality dishes while maintaining food safety standards and ensuring a well-organised kitchen environment. It would be fantastic if the candidate was motivated to playing their part in driving our 30 acres in becoming increasingly bio-diverse alongside growing more food for our nursery community.

About Us

We are a unique, farm-based forest school nursery caring for up to 100 children each day. Our ethos is rooted in child-led learning, outdoor exploration, and nurturing strong connections to the natural world. Mealtimes are central to our daily rhythm, and we believe wholeheartedly in the power of real, whole food to nourish growing bodies and minds. We value the social element of coming together to share food also.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Assist in preparing and cooking daily hot lunches and teas for up to 100 children.
• Support the preparation of breakfasts and snacks using whole, seasonal ingredients.
• Ensure all meals are age-appropriate, nutritionally balanced, and visually appealing.
• Adapt meals for children with allergies, intolerances, or cultural/religious dietary needs.

Kitchen Management & Hygiene

• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen in line with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.
• Carry out regular cleaning duties and complete kitchen records (e.g. temperature logs, allergen charts).
• Adhere to our Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) system and contribute to food safety audits.

Collaboration & Planning

• Work closely with the Lead Chef to develop and review menus in line with nutritional guidance and seasonal availability.
• Communicate effectively with nursery staff regarding dietary needs, mealtime routines, and child preferences.
• Contribute ideas for new recipes and help involve children in food-related activities where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Confident and competent cook with experience preparing meals for groups.
• Passion for healthy eating, whole foods, and child nutrition.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory food hygiene and allergy training (if not already held).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, busy team.
• Flexible, organised and calm under pressure.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.

Desirable:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment).
• Experience working in a nursery, school, or similar setting.
• Understanding of early years nutritional standards.
• Awareness of dietary requirements, allergens, and safe food handling practices.

Benefits

• Working hours that support work-life balance (9am–2 / 3 pm, no weekends). Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs.
• A warm and welcoming environment with a focus on community, nature, and wellbeing.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting children’s health, learning, and happiness every day.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £15,238.00-£16,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

Childcare

• Employee discount
• Childcare discounts available
• Free and secure parking for cars and bikes

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Application information

Please send an email requesting a full application and a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to: charlotte@freerangers.org.uk

Application deadline: July 11th 2025

Interviews to be held: Week commencing 7th July 2025 Start date: As soon as possible

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs