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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present nutritious meals for children while leading fun cookery sessions.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a company driven by HEART principles and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, enhanced parental leave, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy eating and cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, passion for nutrition, and great communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with excellent career growth opportunities and flexible shifts.
The predicted salary is between 30659 - 41891 £ per year.
Overview
Nursery – Bright Horizons Bickley
Salary – £30,659 - £41,891 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)
Location – Bickley, Kent
Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”
We’re looking for an Early Years Chef to join our Bickley nursery. This is a purpose built nursery with a great location between Chistlehurst and Bickley train stations.
The Role
As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property
- Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
- Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
- Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
- Sound knowledge of COSHH
- Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
- Ability to work under pressure
Benefits
- £30,659 - £41,891 per annum
- Childcare discount of 50% for first child
- Enhanced parental leave
- 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure.
- Ability to also purchase additional leave*
- Pension
- Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
- Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
- Shift options: 40 hours over 5 days 8 hour shifts Subject to T&Cs
We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!
We look forward to receiving your application! If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.
Early Years Chef employer: Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
Contact Detail:
Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's culture and values. Since Bright Horizons is all about HEART principles, show how you embody these in your interactions. Whether it's during a casual chat or a formal interview, let your passion for teamwork and respect shine through!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your culinary skills! Bring along some examples of age-appropriate meals you've created before. If you can, whip up a quick dish during the interview or share ideas for cookery club sessions. This will demonstrate your creativity and passion for nutrition.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your communication skills! You’ll be working with kids, parents, and colleagues, so practice explaining your ideas clearly. Maybe even role-play some scenarios where you need to communicate dietary needs or engage with children about healthy eating.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Bright Horizons. We’re rooting for you, so go ahead and make that application count!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition: When you're writing your application, let your love for healthy eating shine through! Share any experiences or ideas you have about inspiring children to enjoy nutritious meals. We want to see that spark!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous cooking roles, whether in a domestic or commercial setting. We’re keen to know how your experience aligns with the Early Years Chef position, so don’t hold back on those tasty details!
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be working closely with kids, parents, and colleagues, it's essential to demonstrate your great communication skills in your application. Use clear and friendly language to show us how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the nutritional needs of children and how to cater for various dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with food allergies and how you ensure safety in meal preparation.
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Eating
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for nutrition and healthy eating during the interview. Share examples of how you've inspired others, especially children, to embrace a nutritious diet through fun and engaging cooking sessions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would effectively communicate with parents and colleagues about dietary needs and meal plans.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled busy kitchen environments or special events.
