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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Busy Bees, the UK's leading nursery group with nearly 400 nurseries.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, up to 28 days holiday, and discounts on childcare.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) and experience in catering or kitchen operations required.
- Other info: Access to professional development and wellbeing resources through our Hive platform.
Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK
Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.
About Us: Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.
Why Work at Busy Bees? We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.
Our Charitable Commitment: Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.
About our Nursery: Busy Bees East Keswick, rated 'Good' by Ofsted, has a capacity of 100 children and is situated in a purpose-built nursery with stunning views of the countryside, providing the perfect backdrop for your child’s ongoing development. We create an ideal setting for learning for babies through to preschoolers, offering a nurturing environment where every child can learn, flourish, and thrive. Our East Keswick nursery features light, airy rooms that allow for imaginative play and effortless creativity, along with access to expansive outdoor play areas, complete with secure, multi-surface spaces. Nestled along the A659, within close proximity to the M1, our nursery offers exceptional commuter links to York, Leeds, Harrogate, and the surrounding area. For your convenience, free parking is available.
Busy Bees Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
- Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
- Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
- 25% childcare discount
- Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
- Menopause support through Peppy
- Financial support through Salary Finance
- Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
- Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
But wait, there’s more! You’ll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering a huge array of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
- Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
- Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
- Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.
Ideal Candidate:
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
- Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
- Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and maybe you have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe apply now!
Chef employer: Busy bees
Contact Detail:
Busy bees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Busy Bees' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to providing nutritious meals for children will help you align your passion for cooking with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have working with children or in educational settings. This will demonstrate your ability to create meals that cater to the unique dietary needs of young children, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. Since overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring compliance is a key responsibility, being able to discuss your experience in maintaining high standards will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights into the company culture and kitchen dynamics can provide you with valuable information to mention during interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Chef position at Busy Bees. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in catering and working with children.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles you’ve had in catering or kitchen operations. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to prepare nutritious meals and manage kitchen staff.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for cooking and providing healthy meals for children in your application. Share any personal anecdotes or experiences that showcase your commitment to child nutrition and wellbeing.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Busy bees
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and providing nutritious meals, especially for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for food and how it can positively impact young lives.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Dietary Needs
Be prepared to discuss how you would cater to various dietary requirements. Familiarise yourself with common allergies and nutritional guidelines for children, as this will show your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be part of a kitchen team, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery
Research Busy Bees and prepare thoughtful questions about their approach to nutrition and child development. This shows your genuine interest in the nursery's values and how you can contribute to their mission.
