Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) and experience in catering or kitchen operations required.
- Other info: Free lunch, parking, and access to wellbeing resources included.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Job Description
Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK
\\n
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.
\\n
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.
\\n
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.
\\n
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
Basingstoke Hatch Warren, rated Good by Ofsted, has a capacity of 100 children and is set across two converted barns in a quiet cul-de-sac. One building is dedicated to under 2s, while the other caters to 2-3s and 3-5s. Located in an affluent area of Basingstoke, we have strong connections with three good infant schools within walking distance. The nursery is conveniently situated near the M3, with bus stops just a five-minute walk away, although accessing certain routes may require two buses. We offer free parking, a complimentary lunch for staff, and a staff room stocked with teas, coffees, and snacks, creating a supportive environment for our team.
Busy Bees Benefits
\\n
- \\n
- 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)
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n\\n
But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge array huge 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
\\n
- \\n
- 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.
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
Ideal Candidate:
\\n
- \\n
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
- Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
- Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
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!
Second Chef employer: Busy bees
Contact Detail:
Busy bees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second 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 during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in catering for children or working in a nursery environment. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique dietary needs and preferences of young children, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. Since overseeing kitchen operations is a key responsibility, showcasing your expertise in this area will reassure them of your capability to maintain high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in a team setting. As a Second Chef, you'll need to manage kitchen staff and work closely with others, so demonstrating your teamwork skills will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Second Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in catering and kitchen operations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles you’ve had as a Chef, Assistant Chef, or Cook. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to prepare nutritious meals and manage kitchen operations.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for cooking and providing healthy meals for children in your application. Share any personal anecdotes or motivations that drive your interest in working with young children and in a nurturing environment.
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 for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for food and how it can positively impact young lives.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous roles in catering or kitchen operations, especially any experience working with children or in a nursery setting. Be specific about your responsibilities and achievements to demonstrate your capability.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are crucial in this role, be prepared to talk about your Food Hygiene Certificate and any relevant practices you follow in the kitchen. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
The ideal candidate should have empathy and understanding towards children's unique needs. Prepare examples of how you've catered to different dietary requirements or how you've interacted with children in a nurturing way.
