Apprentice Production Chef

To work alongside and support the Nursery Cook in the preparation and provision of healthy, balanced and nutritious meals and snacks for children from birth to 5 years.

What you'll do

• Work alongside the Nursery Cook to prepare healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals and snacks for children aged 0-5 years
• Learn how to plan and prepare varied and balanced menus in line with current early years nutrition guidance
• Assist with preparing meals and snacks that meet individual dietary requirements and allergies under supervision
• Develop an understanding of food allergies and dietary needs, ensuring all instructions from the Nursery Cook are followed carefully
• Learn and follow safe food preparation, storage, and serving procedures
• Assist with food temperature checks and accurately record information as directed
• Help maintain food hygiene records, including: Temperature logs

Allergen information and other relevant documentation

• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness at all times
• Follow food hygiene procedures and regulations

Assist with washing: Crockery, Cutlery, Utensils and Kitchen equipment

• Support the Nursery Cook in maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment
• Assist with cleaning kitchen equipment and food storage areas, including: Ovens, Freezers and Storage facilities
• Help check food deliveries and ensure food is stored safely and appropriately
• Support stock monitoring and identify when supplies need replenishing
• Learn how to minimise food waste and use resources efficiently
• Assist with the preparation and serving of meals and snacks throughout the day
• Work collaboratively with nursery staff to ensure children's dietary requirements are understood and followed
• Support positive mealtimes and encourage healthy and diverse eating habits among children

Assist with cookery activities and nursery events when appropriate and under direction

Follow all nursery policies and procedures relating to:

• Safeguarding
• Food hygiene
• Health and safety
• Confidentiality

Report any concerns regarding:

• Food safety
• Allergies
• Dietary requirements
• Equipment issues
• Kitchen hygiene

Training

• You will attend Leeds City College Printworks campus 1 day per week

After the apprenticeship

• Permanent role on completion of apprenticeship subject to performance

Skills

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

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 9-4)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 9-4)

Things to consider

• Passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

About the employer

Inspiration Nurseries is based in Horsforth and Adel, providing high quality childcare in beautiful surroundings.

In Horsforth our children can start from 3 months old and we operate 51 weeks of the year.

In Adel our children start at 3 years old and we are open Term Time only offering full day care, before and after school care and holiday clubs.

Both Nurseries work in partnership with a local Primary School to provide wraparound care to 3-4 year olds. We also offer places at Enchanted Forest Holiday Club, based at Adel offering a unique experience for children to play in natural surroundings.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Production chef (level 2), Catering and hospitality
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 30 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday various hours between 8am- 6pm
• Start date: 1 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £12,480 a year