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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children, ensuring nutrition and fun in every dish.
- Company: Join Co-op Little Pioneers, a nursery focused on nurturing kindness and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, discounts, wellness resources, and up to 3 days off for volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 or willingness to learn; experience in catering and food safety required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to progress into management roles.
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About the role:
Feeding our children healthy, nutritionally balanced food is key to the wellbeing of our little ones. From nourished tummies to nurtured minds, we work hard to encourage health and wellbeing right from the start. If you’re looking for a role where you can say high five to food that’s fabulously wholesome and fit for a king, queen, dragon, astronaut, fairy or superhero, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Co-op Little Pioneers nursery operates with a different ethos. Our child-centric approach emphasizes fun, which helps nurture a kinder and more considerate generation. Your core skills will support our mission to ensure our colleagues, families, and children all rate us as outstanding.
Disclaimer: No two children are the same, and neither will your days be.
Who are we looking for?
- Have an enhanced DBS check or pass one with flying colours
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent, or willingness to complete the course within the first week, or certified equivalent
- Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and COSHH requirements
- Experience catering for large numbers
- Good budget management skills to ensure cost efficiencies
- Knowledge of managing dietary requirements
- Experience working with Environmental Health
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong listening and communication skills
What can we offer you?
Our roles come with a fantastic set of benefits that truly make a difference:
- Career Growth: Opportunities for progression within the nursery and beyond. Develop into roles such as nursery manager or other societal roles, driven by your dreams and aspirations.
- Learning and Development: Support to develop your skills through supervision, personal development plans, learning resources, and our award-winning LEAP Apprenticeship programmes.
- Discounts and Perks: Up to 20% off food shopping, £500 off holidays, and 60% off childcare fees—potentially saving up to £7,000 annually.
- Wellbeing: Access to wellness resources and tools, including financial and mental wellbeing apps.
- Doing Good Together: Up to 3 days off for volunteering during working hours.
Our child-centric approach aims to nurture a kinder, more considerate generation, with a focus on education and development of key children. We strive for outstanding ratings from colleagues, families, and children alike.
Please note: If you are not a passport holder of the country for the vacancy, you might need a work permit. Check our Blog for more information.
Bank or payment details should not be provided when applying. All applications should be made via the \’Apply now\’ button.
Created on 04/07/2025 by TN United Kingdom
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Cook employer: The Midcounties Co-operative
Contact Detail:
The Midcounties Co-operative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety regulations relevant to working with children. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and nutritious meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in catering for large groups by preparing examples of how you've managed meal planning and execution in previous roles. Being able to discuss your organisational skills will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any experience you have with child-friendly recipes or cooking techniques that engage children in healthy eating. This aligns perfectly with our ethos and shows that you understand the importance of making food fun for kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle various dietary restrictions and preferences, as this is crucial in a nursery setting. Being proactive about inclusivity in your cooking will resonate well with our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your experience in catering for large numbers and managing dietary requirements, as these are crucial for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience and skills. Emphasise your food hygiene qualifications, knowledge of food safety, and any previous roles that involved working with children or in a nursery setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for healthy cooking and child wellbeing. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive food environment in past roles.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: In your application, don't forget to mention your strong organisational and communication skills. These are essential for working effectively in a nursery environment and ensuring a smooth operation in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Midcounties Co-operative
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing healthy, nutritious meals for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to promoting wellbeing through food.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety regulations, including HACCP and COSHH. If you have relevant certifications, mention them, and if not, show your willingness to complete necessary training promptly.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Dietary Requirements
Discuss your experience catering to various dietary needs, whether due to allergies or preferences. This shows that you can adapt your cooking to ensure all children are included and cared for.
✨Emphasise Organisational Skills
Talk about your time management and organisational skills, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed large numbers of meals while maintaining quality and efficiency.
