At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and maintain high hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a leader in childcare excellence since 1989.
- Benefits: Generous leave, childcare discounts, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to fairness and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 25330 - 31200 £ per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Nursery Cook | Catering for up to 105 children aged 6 weeks–5 years old.
Location: Green Park Day Nursery, Reading, RG2 6UQ (on Green Park Business Park).
Contract: Fixed-term for 12 months (starting June 2026) | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Monday–Friday | Alternating shifts of 07:10–15:40 and 09:00–17:30.
Salary: £25,330.50–£31,200 per annum (pro-rata) | £12.99–£16.00 per hour.
About us: 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.
Benefits and culture:
- 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.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on 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.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare wholesome, healthy meals for children using fresh ingredients from a set menu, with suitable alternatives for allergies and dietary requirements.
- Maintain 5-star hygiene standards within the kitchen, with knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation; work with the Co-Cook and Kitchen Assistant to uphold standards.
- Safeguard the well-being and dietary needs of every child and promote healthy eating.
- Collaborate with the Nursery Manager and Co-Cook to contribute to the nursery’s profitability by managing the kitchen budget; build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents; lead and mentor the Kitchen Assistant.
Qualifications and requirements:
- Professional catering experience; ability to prepare and cook a range of foods from a set-menu.
- Knowledge of COSHH, allergens, manual handling and environmental health legislation; Food Hygiene training.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Open to collaboration and inclusive practice; able to work with colleagues, parents and children in a positive, supportive manner.
- Right to work in the UK; applicants must reside within commutable distance of the nursery; visa sponsorship is not available.
- Safer recruitment checks apply, including an Enhanced DBS check.
Equality, inclusion and apply: We are an inclusive employer and 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, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.
Nursery Cook / Chef in Reading 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. Located in the vibrant Green Park Business Park in Reading, our Nursery Cook role not only provides competitive pay and generous benefits, including substantial childcare discounts and well-being support, but also fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Childbase Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit the Green Park Day Nursery if you can, or check out their social media. Understanding their vibe and values will help you connect during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the nursery's ethos of care and collaboration. Have examples ready that show your experience with healthy cooking and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Childbase family.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking for children. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your love for creating healthy meals and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your professional catering experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so mention any specific roles or responsibilities that relate to preparing meals for children and maintaining hygiene standards.
Be Personable and Collaborative:Since you'll be working closely with colleagues, children, and parents, it's important to convey your ability to collaborate. Use your application to showcase your interpersonal skills and how you build respectful relationships in a team environment.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the set menu and be ready to discuss how you would prepare wholesome meals for children. Highlight your experience with dietary requirements and allergies, as this is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about your understanding of hygiene standards and legislation like COSHH. Mention any relevant training you've had, and share examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've worked well with others, especially in a kitchen environment. Discuss how you would mentor a Kitchen Assistant and build relationships with colleagues and parents.
✨Passion for Child Welfare
Express your commitment to safeguarding children's well-being and promoting healthy eating. Share any experiences that demonstrate your dedication to creating a nurturing environment for children.
