At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals for children while ensuring high food safety standards.
- Company: Join The Hyde Nursery, part of the CC Nurseries Group, in a beautiful setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, paid training, and enhanced childcare discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours to fit your lifestyle and great transport links.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's nutrition in a supportive and fun environment.
- Qualifications: Previous chef experience and Food & Hygiene Level 3 required.
The predicted salary is between 17400 - 21600 £ per year.
Nursery Chef – Edinburgh
Where Little Tummies + Big Smiles = Your Daily Masterpiece
At Murrayfield Nursery in Edinburgh, we’re not just searching for a chef… we’re on the hunt for a kitchen magician who knows that great food fuels great days. Someone who can turn fresh, seasonal ingredients into meals that power play, spark learning, and maybe even inspire the occasional spontaneous happy dance.
If you love cooking wholesome, nutritious food, enjoy being part of a lively nursery environment, and don’t mind honest (and enthusiastic) feedback from your smallest critics such as “YUM!” and “More pasta please!”, this could be the tastiest role you’ve ever taken on.
What Your Day Might Look Like
• Creating delicious, balanced meals that keep our little learners energised and smiling
• Preparing snacks so good the team may hover nearby (they’ll ask politely)
• Planning menus that are nutritious, exciting, seasonal, and inclusive of dietary requirements
• Managing allergens and ensuring full compliance with environmental health standards
• Keeping the kitchen sparkling clean, safe, and running like a well-oiled machine
• Working closely with the nursery team to support calm, positive mealtimes
• Helping children build healthy food habits because big learning often starts with small bites
The Ideal Candidate
• Has experience working in a nursery or education environment
• Holds the relevant food hygiene and catering qualifications required to work in a professional kitchen
• Has a strong understanding of nutrition for young children
• Is confident managing dietary requirements and allergens
• Brings warmth, organisation, and a positive team-focused attitude
Why Join Murrayfield Nursery?
We believe that when we look after our team, amazing things happen for children. That’s why we offer a supportive, feel-good workplace where your contribution truly matters.
Our benefits include:
• Access to MO, our internal platform for sharing moments of joy, learning, and achievement
• At least 60% childcare discount for team members
• 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays and Christmas closure
• Your birthday off plus an extra wellbeing day to recharge
• Flexible working patterns to suit your life outside the kitchen
• Enhanced paid maternity leave after two years’ service
• INSET days dedicated to team training and connection
• Sovereign Healthcare Programme (after 3 months) and Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive high street discounts
About Murrayfield Nursery, Edinburgh
Located in the heart of Murrayfield, our nursery offers beautifully designed indoor spaces and engaging outdoor areas that inspire curiosity and exploration every day. We’re proud to serve families across Edinburgh, creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive, supported by good food and great people.
As part of the award-winning CC Nurseries Group, we champion professional growth, celebrate team achievements, and believe every role, especially in the kitchen, plays a vital part in shaping children’s early years.
Ready to Cook Up Something Special?
If you’re passionate about food, love seeing the smiles your meals create, and want to be part of a warm, supportive nursery team in Edinburgh, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and bring your flavour to Murrayfield Nursery.
IND01
Nursery Chef employer: CC Nurseries Group
The Hyde Nursery in High Barnet is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where culinary creativity meets the joy of working with children. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, paid training opportunities, and enhanced childcare discounts make it an attractive place to grow your career. The supportive culture encourages teamwork and recognition, ensuring that every contribution is valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs of children. Understanding nutrition and healthy eating is crucial for a Nursery Chef, so brush up on child-friendly recipes and nutritional guidelines to impress during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've motivated and inspired a team in previous roles. Being able to demonstrate your ability to lead a kitchen effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Research The Hyde Nursery and its values. Understanding their approach to food and child care can help you tailor your conversation during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and cost control. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous positions, as this is key for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of a Nursery Chef. Highlight your relevant experience in food preparation, nutrition awareness, and food safety standards.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your experience as a Chef, particularly in a nursery or similar environment. Emphasise your leadership skills, menu planning abilities, and any relevant certifications like Food & Hygiene Level 3.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking for children and your understanding of their nutritional needs. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations and inspired a team in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials 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 CC Nurseries Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and preparing meals, especially for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and how it can positively impact children's health and happiness.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Nutrition
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of nutrition and healthy eating. You might want to mention specific dietary requirements or how you would cater to different age groups, ensuring that the meals are both nutritious and appealing.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves motivating and inspiring a team, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss your approach to teamwork and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Food Safety Regulations
Make sure you know the latest food safety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards of food safety and quality in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
