At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for children in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join a small, family-run nursery in Croydon, rated Good by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, up to 28 days holiday, and your birthday off!
- Why this job: Work Monday to Friday with no evenings, perfect for students seeking balance.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and experience in a kitchen preferred.
- Other info: Free parking and access to a wellbeing hub for mental health support.
Location: Croydon, London
Hours: Mixture of shifts, 08:00-17:00 - Monday-Friday
Salary: £13.20
About our Nursery
Croydon Site, rated Good by Ofsted, is a small boutique family nursery accommodating 67 children. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and personalised environment for each child. Conveniently located just a 10-minute bus journey from East Croydon, our nursery is easily accessible for families. We also offer free parking for staff, ensuring hassle-free access during drop-offs and collections.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- Our 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.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Chef - Croydon (Mon-Fri, No Evenings) employer: Blue Arrow Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Croydon (Mon-Fri, No Evenings)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the nursery's ethos and values. Since this role is in a nurturing environment, showing that you understand and align with their approach to childcare can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with child-friendly meals and dietary requirements. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of nutrition for children will show that you're not just a chef, but one who understands the specific needs of young diners.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the local community or childcare sector. Engaging with local parents or professionals can provide insights into the nursery and may even lead to a recommendation, which can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to a positive team environment. Since this role involves working closely with others, showcasing your teamwork skills and how you can enhance the nursery's atmosphere will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Croydon (Mon-Fri, No Evenings)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, particularly in a nursery or similar environment. Emphasise any qualifications or certifications you have that relate to food safety and nutrition.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your culinary skills. Mention why you are interested in this specific role at the Croydon nursery and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to detail any previous roles where you prepared meals for children or worked in a similar setting. Include specific examples of menus you’ve created or dietary needs you’ve accommodated.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your love for cooking and working with children. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you can create healthy, delicious meals that cater to children's tastes and dietary needs.
✨Highlight Your Experience in a Nursery Setting
If you have previous experience working in a nursery or similar environment, be sure to mention it. Discuss how you’ve contributed to creating a nurturing atmosphere and how you understand the importance of nutrition in child development.
✨Prepare for Questions on Food Safety
Expect questions about food hygiene and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of food handling practices and be ready to discuss how you ensure a safe kitchen environment, especially when working with children.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Working in a nursery requires collaboration with other staff members. Be prepared to talk about your ability to work as part of a team, share responsibilities, and communicate effectively with colleagues to create a positive environment for the children.