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- 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 birthday off!
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering or kitchen operations required.
- Other info: Free lunch, supportive team environment, and access to wellbeing resources.
Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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)
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
- 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.
Ideal Candidate:
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
- Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
- Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
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!
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Chef employer: Busy Bees In Portishead
Contact Detail:
Busy Bees In Portishead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Busy Bees' values and their Bee Curious curriculum. Understanding their approach to child development and nutrition will help you align your cooking style with their philosophy, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have working with children or in educational settings. This will demonstrate your ability to create meals that cater to the specific dietary needs of young children, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Busy Bees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and what they value in a Chef, giving you an edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your food hygiene practices and any relevant certifications you hold. Being able to confidently talk about your commitment to food safety will reassure them of your professionalism and suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Chef position at Busy Bees. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in catering and working with children.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles you’ve had as a Chef, Assistant Chef, or Cook. Include specific examples of how you prepared nutritious meals and managed kitchen operations, as well as any experience you have with food safety and hygiene compliance.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for cooking and providing healthy meals for children in your application. Mention any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in working in a nursery environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Busy Bees In Portishead
✨Show Your Passion for Nutrition
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking healthy meals for children. Share specific examples of how you have created nutritious dishes in the past and how you understand the importance of diet in a child's development.
✨Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss food hygiene practices and regulations. Highlight your Food Hygiene Certificate and any relevant experience you have in maintaining kitchen safety standards, as this is crucial in a nursery environment.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Busy Bees values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experience working with kitchen staff and other team members. Share examples of how you have successfully collaborated in previous roles to create a positive kitchen atmosphere.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to nutrition and meal planning. This demonstrates your commitment to contributing positively to the children's wellbeing and aligns with Busy Bees' values.
