Operational Duties – What you’ll be doing

Plan and Prepare Healthy, Nutritious Meals

• Take responsibility for the production and delivery of well-balanced, healthy meals for children, considering specific dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural needs.

Lead Menu Development and Costings

• Develop and regularly review seasonal menus that meet and exceed the nutritional standards set out by the Government.
• Be responsible for calculating and managing the costings of all meals to ensure menus are both nutritious and budget-conscious, maintaining value for money without compromising quality.

Promote Food Engagement Across the Nursery

• Take an active role in promoting cooking and baking activities, including baking with children and preparing food for nursery-wide events such as the Winter Fair, Sports Afternoon, and Graduation Ceremony.

Maintain Exceptional Food Hygiene Standards

• Ensure the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen by strictly following the Safer Food, Better Business framework and best practices in food safety and cleaning.

Ensure Safe Use of Kitchen Equipment

• Operate kitchen and cleaning equipment safely and report any faults, hazards, or concerns promptly to management.

Uphold Health, Safety, and Safeguarding Policies

• Understand and always adhere to the nursery’s Health, Safety and Well-being Policy, Health and Safety Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

Lead on Environmental Health Inspections

• Take responsibility for preparing the kitchen for inspections, working toward and maintaining a consistent 5 Star Scores on the doors rating from Environmental Health.

Promote Healthy Eating and Partnerships

• Work collaboratively with nursery staff and families to encourage healthy eating habits, sharing knowledge and promoting a positive food culture throughout the setting.

Support the Wider Team

• Assist colleagues and carry out additional duties as needed to support the smooth running of the nursery.

Supervise Catering Support

• Provide day-to-day direction and support to the Catering Assistant, ensuring consistency and efficiency in kitchen operations. Performance management will be overseen by the Nursery Manager.

People Responsibilities

• Take an active role in the induction and ongoing support of new team members, ensuring they are fully trained and competent in all food safety procedures and relevant legislation.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with colleagues to support a collaborative and respectful team environment.
• Always demonstrate professionalism through polite, respectful, and positive verbal and non-verbal communication with staff, parents, and children.
• Support and model best practice in teamwork and communication.
• Ensure effective stock control and rotation systems are in place, working efficiently to minimise food waste and maintain freshness.
• Maintain strong relationships with food suppliers by placing accurate orders, managing deliveries, and adhering to Kent Union’s financial procedures to ensure best value for money.
• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to implement cost controls and ensure that all catering operations remain within the agreed budget.
• Manage kitchen operations and resources efficiently
• Attend relevant training sessions and meetings as required to stay informed and contribute effectively to the nursery team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, actively seeking opportunities to grow within the role.
• Positively represent Kent Students’ Union at all times, helping to maintain and enhance its reputation with students, the University, and the wider community.
• Lead by example in supporting the nursery’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable kitchen practices.
• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities consistent with the level and nature of the role, as directed by the Nursery Manager.
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with the Nursery Manager and colleagues to ensure a high standard of care and service throughout the setting.

Financial Responsibilities

• Ensure effective stock control and rotation systems are in place, working efficiently to minimise food waste and maintain freshness.
• Maintain strong relationships with food suppliers by placing accurate orders, managing deliveries, and adhering to Kent Union’s financial procedures to ensure best value for money.
• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to implement cost controls and ensure that all catering operations remain within the agreed budget.
• Manage kitchen operations and resources efficiently

Expected Behaviours

• Attend relevant training sessions and meetings as required to stay informed and contribute effectively to the nursery team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, actively seeking opportunities to grow within the role.
• Positively represent Kent Students’ Union at all times, helping to maintain and enhance its reputation with students, the University, and the wider community.

Person Specification

Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed.

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Level 2 or higher Catering and/or hospitality qualification

X

X

X

Food Safety Certificate Level 3 or above.

X

X

X

Paediatric First Aid qualification

X

X

X

Health and Safety qualification

X

X

X

Experience

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Experience in food handling, preparation and delivery, within a catering or kitchen environment

X

X

X

Experience working as a cook in a childcare setting.

X

X

X

Experience of ordering and managing stock control

X

X

X

Knowledge

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Knowledge and understanding of Environmental Health legislation requirements

X

X

X

An understanding of best practice in health and safety in the workplace

X

X

X

An understanding of best practice in stocktaking, stock control, and kitchen management

X

X

X

An understanding of children’s nutritional requirements

X

X

X

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Sound judgement and ability to handle competing priorities

X

X

An ability to balance the needs of the role with the operational requirements of the Nursery

X

X

X

Good communication skills, with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels

X

X

X

Values & Behaviours

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Evidence of a personal commitment to continuing professional development

X

X

A commitment to equality of opportunity; someone who builds a culture of inclusivity and removes barriers to diversity

X

X

A team player, who helps others build a successful team, celebrates others’ success, and supports others to achieve individual and team goals

X

X

Position advertised

17/07/2025

Applications close

14/08/2025 23:59

Shortlisting

15/08/2025

Interviews

22/08/2025

Name

Heidi Firth

Job title

Nursery Manager

Contact number

01227 827676

Email address

oaksnursery@kent.ac.uk