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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children, manage kitchen operations, and ensure food safety standards.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a leading employee-owned childcare provider since 1989.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50 days off, tax-free dividends, and discounts for family at nurseries.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team making a positive impact on children's lives and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, knowledge of food safety, and a passion for healthy eating are essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary. At Childbase Partnership we have been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life and instil a lifelong passion for learning. Across all 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and our Training Academy of Excellence, our dedicated colleagues work together to create a lasting, positive impact in our local communities.
We are determined to be excellent and constantly strive for the best outcomes, not only for the children in our care but for every colleague too.
What makes us special?
- We are 100% employee-owned, which means we are all partners, we all have a meaningful voice, and we own our future (this includes sharing profits too, tax-free).
- Sector leading initiative: “Partnership Reward Days” – going the extra mile to promote a healthy work/life balance for you with up to an extra 20 days paid leave a year, meaning up to a phenomenal 50 days leave, with the option to sell a proportion if you would prefer; the choice is yours!
- ‘Number 1’ - we have earned the top spot in the prestigious Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes, all thanks to our extraordinary colleagues.
- Record-breaking Green Flag achievements, and climate-positive status - we save more CO2 than we create.
- Planting in excess of 2,000 trees in the Eden Restoration project.
- Over £3.5 million raised for charity.
At Childbase Partnership, our ethos is simple; we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute so we all benefit. Our core values foster happiness, confidence, and growth, with a ‘careers not jobs’ approach, shaping the future of our extraordinary company together.
Own your future and join us as a Cook / Chef at our 120 place West Cambridge Day Nursery in Cambridge. This role is full-time (40 hours a week). Working hours are 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, 52 weeks of the year.
Join us and benefit from:
- From day 1: 75% discount for parents and 40% discount for grandparents at any Childbase nursery.
- Generous leave entitlement: Starting with 23 days annual leave rising to 28 days (pro-rata), plus paid bank holidays and up to 20 additional paid days off through our Partnership Reward Days initiative.
- Exclusive rewards: Tax-free Partnership dividends, qualification reward payments, long-service bonuses, retail discounts, family fun days with free tickets to UK attractions and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Well-being support: Mental Health First Aiders, two free meals a day in the nursery, subsidised medical care, flu jabs, eye care vouchers, occupational health support, and a free will-writing service.
- Growth opportunities: Team inset training days, professional development support, online courses, and apprenticeships through our Training Academy of Excellence.
Your knowledge, skills and character qualities make you the perfect Cook / Chef. You are:
- Passionate about preparing wholesome, healthy meals for children under five; your professional catering experience enables you to prepare and cook a range of foods from a set-menu, using fresh ingredients, providing suitable alternatives for those with allergies and dietary requirements.
- Naturally diligent with excellent attention to detail; your knowledge of COSHH and environmental health legislation ensures your kitchen maintains a 5-star rating and your experience of managing a budget contributes towards the profitability of the nursery.
- An advocate for partnership working; you thrive as part of a team environment, are a positive role model and you will nurture your Kitchen Assistant, and you enjoy building meaningful and respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents to promote healthy eating choices.
Are you ready to contribute to something quite extraordinary? To apply, you must currently reside in the UK and hold suitable Right To Work in the UK. We are sorry, VISA sponsorship is not available at present. Before commencing in your new role, you will be required to provide Right To Work documentation and any relevant qualifications. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references must also be obtained for you.
Location (a radius of up to 50 miles will apply) Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Nursery Cook / Chef employer: Childbase Partnership Limited
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to childcare excellence and employee ownership will help you align your passion for cooking with their ethos, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in preparing healthy meals for children, especially those under five. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've catered to dietary requirements and allergies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills and ability to build relationships. Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and parents, be prepared to share instances where you've successfully collaborated in a kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in child nutrition and healthy eating. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only impress during discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to promoting healthy eating choices among children.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Nursery Cook / Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with these needs.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for cooking healthy meals for children. Include examples of your professional catering experience and how you ensure food safety and dietary considerations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles in catering or childcare settings. Mention your knowledge of COSHH and environmental health legislation, as well as your ability to manage a budget effectively.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves working closely with a team, provide examples of how you have successfully collaborated with others in past positions. Highlight your ability to build relationships with colleagues, children, and parents to promote healthy eating.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing wholesome meals for children. Share examples of how you've created healthy menus in the past and how you cater to dietary requirements.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Childbase Partnership values teamwork, so be ready to discuss your experiences working collaboratively in a kitchen environment. Highlight any instances where you've mentored or supported colleagues.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with COSHH and environmental health legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen to maintain high standards and a 5-star rating.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Values
Research Childbase Partnership's core values and be ready to ask insightful questions about their initiatives, such as the Partnership Reward Days. This shows your genuine interest in their mission and culture.
