Meet Claire who is at the heart of the Old Vicarage kitchen
Step into The Old Vicarage and you’ll soon discover that the heart of our nursery isn’t just in the rooms or the garden, it’s the kitchen, where the scent of home-cooked meals and freshly baked cakes fills the air.
At the centre of it all is Claire, our brilliant and much-loved cook, whose passion for feeding little tummies with love and care shines through in every dish she prepares.
Claire joined The Old Vicarage 8 months ago, not just for the job, but because she genuinely loves children. With over 20 years of experience in catering and kitchen magic, she brings warmth, skill, and a mum’s touch to every meal.
Ask any member of our team, and they’ll tell you: Claire isn’t just the cook, she’s “mum” to the staff, the quiet anchor of our busy days, and a true unsung hero of nursery life.
Everything that comes out of Claire’s kitchen is cooked from scratch, with a focus on nutrition, flavour, and love. From hearty stews to rainbow-colored pasta sauces packed with veg, her meals are healthy and balanced, and the children absolutely love them. She works with local suppliers to ensure ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced.
Claire is out unsung hero of nursery life
And we can’t overlook the cakes.
Claire’s creations are the stuff of legends. Light, airy, utterly delicious, and sneakily nutritious. She’s perfected the art of the “hidden veggie” bake, cleverly folding courgettes, carrots, even beetroot into her puddings in a way that wins over little taste buds and puts parents at ease. It’s yet another reflection of her thoughtful, child-cantered philosophy.
What makes Claire’s kitchen even more special is the joyful hum of music. Claire loves to sing as she creates, filling the space with warmth, laughter, and a bit of magic. It’s no wonder the children often wander to the kitchen door, drawn by the smell of something delicious and the sound of a cheerful tune.
“The highlight of my day is always saying hello to the children and seeing their lovely smiles.” Say’s Claire
Cleanliness and care are the cornerstones of Claire’s kitchen. Every surface gleams, every utensil is spotless, and there’s a quiet sense of pride in how she keeps everything running so smoothly. In a world where fast food is often the default, Claire is a reminder of how valuable a real meal, made with real ingredients and love, can be.
We sat down with Claire, our much-loved cook, to learn more about what inspires her, how she brings meals to life for our little ones, and what makes her job so special. Here’s what she had to say.
A quick chat with Claire
Q: What drew you to working in a nursery kitchen after so many years in school catering?
Claire: I worked in school kitchens for 21 years while my children were young, but with my youngest finishing school, I was ready for a change and something with more flexibility. My favourite part of my old jobs was always seeing the children and giving them a dinner that they enjoyed, so this was something I tried to find when looking for my next job. This made the nursery kitchen a great fit!
Q: How do you keep meals exciting and encourage children to enjoy different kinds of food?
Claire: Making meals exciting through introducing different textures, colours, and flavours is one of the best and easiest ways to help children enjoy a wide range of ingredients as they grow up. Letting the children get involved in the cooking process also allows them to feel more invested in the food they are eating and can set them up for a lifelong passion.
Q: What’s your favourite part of the day at The Old Vicarage kitchen?
Claire: The highlight of my day is always saying hello to the children and seeing their lovely smiles when they come past the kitchen and stand on their tiptoes to see through the hatch. Their enthusiasm always makes my morning, and I know I’ll always have lots of willing little assistants if needed!
So, here’s to Claire, the heart behind our healthy meals, the singing soul of our kitchen, and the nurturing spirit of The Old Vicarage. We’re lucky to have her, and the children are even luckier to be nourished by her every single day.
