At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for 90 happy children every day in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join a caring nursery that values teamwork and creativity.
- Benefits: Earn £14-15 per hour, enjoy free lunches, and get 33 days holiday!
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: 2 years cooking experience and a passion for working with kids.
- Other info: Great career progression and training opportunities await you!
A Nursery Cook is required for a permanent full-time role catering for young children in a large early years setting (approximately 90 places) in the Chester area.
What the employer can offer for the Nursery Cook role in the Chester area:
- Full-time role (40hrs - they may possibly consider someone who is looking for slightly less hours) Monday to Friday
- £14 - 15 per hour
- Parking
- Increasing Holidays - Holiday increase by 1 day per year following the 1st completed year of service to a maximum of 33 days including bank holidays.
- Excellent Career Progression - Regular appraisals and opportunities for career progression.
- Free Lunch - Request a lunch from the day's menu free of charge saving £100s per year.
- Exceptional Training - Exceptional Mandatory training & financial support for vocational training.
- Free Health Cash Plan Scheme - a really valuable benefit you and your children can claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as dentist, opticians and physiotherapy.
- Discounted Childcare/Childcare Vouchers - 25% discount on childcare (50% at holiday club) as well as option to use salary sacrifice voucher scheme to save NI and Tax on childcare costs.
- Pension Scheme - NEST scheme within which the company will match Employee contributions up to 3%.
- Annual Pay review
- Outstanding Effort Bonus - Going the extra mile is recognised by parents & team members and staff can be chosen by the setting Manager to receive a pay bonus.
What you need for the Nursery Cook role in the Chester area:
- At least 2 years experience as a cook - managing all aspects of the kitchen
- Level 2 or above Food & Hygiene or equivalent.
- Experience of catering in either a Nursery, School, or Care Home
- A love of children
- Responsible and reliable attitude - children need to eat each day!
- A caring and kind personality - warm towards the children
- Strong adherence to allergens and allergen awareness
- Strict attitude to food safety, food hygiene and cleanliness
What is involved:
- Preparing and catering lunch for approx 90 children daily from an existing menu plan.
- Responsible for stock levels, budget control and ordering of stock.
- Ensuring cleanliness of kitchen at all times.
- Following guidelines with regards to catering for children.
If you may be interested in this Nursery Cook role in the Chester area please apply now to find out more or alternatively share with a friend as we have a recommend a friend scheme.
Bamboo Childcare are working in partnership with our client for this role.
Nursery Cook in Chester employer: Bamboo Childcare
Contact Detail:
Bamboo Childcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your game face on and prepare for the interview! Research the nursery's values and mission. Show them you’re not just a cook, but someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of children.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to talk about your experience. Think of specific examples where you’ve managed kitchen operations or catered for kids before. We want to see that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other professionals in the childcare sector. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips on what the nursery is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Nursery Cook role!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your formal catering experience, especially in nurseries, schools, or care homes. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for our little ones!
Be Personal and Warm: Since you'll be working with children, let your caring personality shine through in your application. Share a bit about why you love cooking for kids and how you ensure their meals are safe and enjoyable.
Keep It Clean and Professional: Your application should reflect your strong adherence to food safety and hygiene. Use clear language and structure to show us that you take cleanliness seriously, just like you would in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bamboo Childcare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your formal catering experience, especially in a nursery or school setting. Be ready to discuss specific dishes you've prepared and how you managed kitchen operations. This will show that you’re not just a cook, but someone who understands the unique needs of catering for children.
✨Show Your Passion for Kids
During the interview, let your love for working with children shine through. Share anecdotes about how you’ve engaged with kids in previous roles, whether it’s through fun meal presentations or accommodating dietary needs. This will help the employer see that you’re not just there to cook, but to create a positive dining experience for the little ones.
✨Be Prepared for Food Safety Questions
Expect questions about food safety, hygiene, and allergen awareness. Brush up on your knowledge of Level 2 Food & Hygiene standards and be ready to explain how you ensure cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. This is crucial in a nursery environment, so showing your expertise here will definitely impress.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the menu planning process, how they handle dietary restrictions, or what training opportunities are available. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to the team.