Our Chef

Daniel Ratcliffe has been part of the Toad Hall Nursery family since 1997. He holds an HND in Hotel Management and Catering as well as a Level 2 Award in Food Safety.

Dan brings with him over 30 years of experience in the catering industry. His passion for cooking began while working in hotels, where he was entered into a professional cooking competition. Over the years, his career has taken him from 1st-class train catering to banqueting in royal stately homes, as well as catering for weddings and large events.

When Dan joined Toad Hall Nursery, his daughter was also one of our children. She has since completed university and now works in a local school — a lovely full-circle story that reflects Dan’s long-standing connection with both the nursery and the wider community.

Dan’s Approach to Food

Dan is passionate about creating healthy, balanced, and child-friendly meals that not only meet nutritional needs but also encourage a love of food from an early age. He carefully plans menus to offer variety, introduce new tastes, and ensure mealtimes are enjoyable for every child.

We are proud to say that our kitchen holds the highest possible Food Hygiene Rating of 5, reflecting our commitment to excellent standards in food safety and preparation.