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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 discounts on retail.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) and experience in catering required.
- Other info: Access to wellbeing resources and professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
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: Busy Bees Portsmouth, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 106 children and features a friendly team that adopts a family-oriented approach to childcare. Our nursery is conveniently located with bus stops very close to the centre, ensuring easy access for families. We also provide free parking for staff, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for parents and caregivers during drop-offs and collections.
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 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 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!
Chef employer: Busy bees
Contact Detail:
Busy bees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Busy Bees' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to providing nutritious meals for children will help you align your passion for cooking with their goals during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in catering specifically for children or in a nursery setting. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique dietary needs and preferences of young children, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices. Since overseeing kitchen operations is a key responsibility, showcasing your expertise in this area will reassure them of your capability to maintain high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting a Busy Bees nursery if possible, or researching their Bee Curious curriculum. This will give you insights into their educational approach and allow you to speak more authentically about how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
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 in catering or kitchen operations. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to prepare nutritious meals and manage kitchen staff effectively.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for cooking and providing healthy meals for children in your application. Share any personal anecdotes or motivations that drive your interest in this role, as it will resonate well with Busy Bees' mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, 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 environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Busy bees
✨Show Your Passion for Nutrition
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking healthy meals for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to nutrition and how it impacts children's growth and 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 for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Busy Bees values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experience working with others in a kitchen environment. Share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff or collaborated with colleagues to create a positive work atmosphere.
✨Understand Their Unique Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with Busy Bees' Bee Curious curriculum. Mention how you can incorporate educational elements into meal preparation and how you can contribute to creating engaging experiences for the children through food.
