At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a leading employee-owned nursery with a community focus.
- Benefits: Generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and knowledge of food hygiene standards.
The predicted salary is between 25330 - 30439 £ per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Nursery Cook | Catering for up to 116 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Windermere Day Nursery | Kettering | NN16 8LX.
Contract: Fixed-term for 9-12 months | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
Salary: £25,330.50-£30,439.50 per annum (pro-rata) | £12.99-£15.61 per hour.
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in ‘careers, not jobs’, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work‑life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About us
- We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
- We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
- We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
- We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About you
- Passionate about preparing wholesome, healthy meals: You have professional catering experience and can prepare and cook a range of foods from a set‑menu, using fresh ingredients, providing suitable alternatives for children with allergies and dietary requirements.
- Diligent: Your attention to detail, knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation, alongside your Food Hygiene training, will ensure you and your Kitchen Assistant maintain 5‑star hygiene standards within your kitchen.
- Advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure the well‑being and dietary needs of every child are met and their understanding of healthy eating is promoted.
- Collaborative: In partnership with the Nursery Manager, you will contribute towards the profitability of the nursery by managing the kitchen budget, build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents and effectively lead and mentor your Kitchen Assistant.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.
If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.
Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Cook / Chef in Kettering employer: Childbase Partnership Limited
At Childbase Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits, including extensive annual leave, childcare discounts, and career development opportunities through our Training Academy. Located in Kettering, our nursery fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises the health and happiness of both our staff and the children we serve, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
Childbase Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their social media. Understanding their ethos and community involvement will help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for healthy cooking! Bring examples of meals you've prepared that cater to dietary needs. This will demonstrate your skills and commitment to the well-being of the children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your teamwork skills. Share stories about how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlighting your ability to lead and mentor will resonate well with the nursery's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their approach to food hygiene and how they support staff development. This shows you're genuinely interested and eager to be part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:Let us know why you're passionate about preparing wholesome meals for children. Share any relevant experiences or special dishes you love to make that cater to kids' tastes and dietary needs.
Highlight Your Experience:We want to see your professional catering experience shine! Be sure to mention any specific roles you've had, especially those involving menu planning and food safety standards.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in our kitchens. Mention your knowledge of hygiene standards, allergens, and any training you've completed in food safety. This will show us you're serious about maintaining a safe environment for the little ones.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the dietary needs of children. Be ready to discuss how you would prepare healthy meals and accommodate allergies. This shows your passion for cooking and your commitment to child welfare.
✨Show Off Your Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of COSHH, allergens, and food hygiene standards. Be prepared to explain how you maintain a clean kitchen and ensure safety for the children. This will demonstrate your diligence and attention to detail.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your collaborative skills by sharing examples of how you've worked with others in a kitchen setting. Discuss how you would mentor your Kitchen Assistant and build relationships with colleagues, children, and parents.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Childcare
Express your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can contribute to their understanding of healthy eating. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to nurturing and educating young minds.
