Apprentice Nursery Cook

Become an Apprentice Nursery Cook with the Care and Learning Group. Work alongside our cook in a busy daycare, preparing meals and managing allergy and hygiene practices. We are invested in your training, helping you build skills towards a recognised qualification to progress in our growing company.

What you'll do

• Preparing daily, nutritionally appropriate meals for children aged 0 to 5
• Supporting the nursery team with allergy management
• Assisting with menu planning and budgeting
• Adhering to health and safety regulations and strict hygienic practices
• Keeping the nursery kitchen clean and organised
• Working alongside the experienced nursery cook to gain kitchen skills

Training

You will complete the Production Chef Level 2 apprenticeship with HIT Training. Your apprenticeship includes regular one‑to‑one sessions with a dedicated trainer/coach, workplace learning and online study.

You will develop skills in basic food preparation, cooking methods, portioning, following recipes, food safety, allergen awareness, nutrition for children, teamwork and working efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.

You will also receive on‑the‑job training, including food hygiene, health and safety, equipment use, cleaning routines, stock rotation, allergy procedures and maintaining high kitchen standards.

Functional Skills in English and maths will be provided if required.

After the apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there is a clear opportunity to progress into a permanent role within the company.

As a growing company, our qualified cooks are offered opportunities to take on and manage their own kitchen in one of our existing or new nurseries.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Presentation skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Things to consider

Successful completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as you will be working in a nursery environment with children.

Comfortable working in a busy, fast-paced daycare kitchen environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing supervision
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Fun company events
• Nursery is closed between Christmas and New Year to ensure a restful break

About the employer

A small privately owned group of nurseries whose passion is delivering exemplary childcare to all of our families.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Production chef (level 2), Catering and hospitality
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER LTD
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, daytime hours to cover nursery meal times. No evening or weekend work required. Specific shift patterns will be discussed at interview.
• Start date: 7 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £26,436.80 a year