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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a top-rated, employee-owned nursery with a caring culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food hygiene.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24316 - 29972 £ per year.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Nursery Cook | Catering for up to 85 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Highbury Lodge Day Nursery | Hitchin | SG4 9RW.
Contract: Fixed-term for 12 months | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
Salary: £24,316.50-£29,971.50 per annum (pro-rata) | £12.47-£15.37 per hour.
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 43-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:
- You are 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.
- You are 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.
- You are an 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.
- You are 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 Hitchin employer: Childbase Partnership Ltd
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef in Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or even visit if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you connect better during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your creativity and ability to cater for children’s dietary needs. It’s a tasty way to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience with allergies and dietary requirements. This role is all about keeping kids safe and healthy, so come prepared with examples of how you've handled these situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the nursery's approach to healthy eating or how they support their staff. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: Let us know how much you love preparing healthy meals for children! Share your experiences and any special dishes you enjoy making. This is your chance to shine and show why you're the perfect fit for our nursery.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your professional catering experience. We want to see how you've handled various dietary needs and allergies, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Diligent with Details: We value attention to detail, especially when it comes to hygiene standards. Mention your knowledge of food safety regulations and any relevant training you've completed. It’ll show us you take this seriously!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Ltd
✨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 wholesome cooking and your understanding of children's nutritional needs.
✨Show Off Your Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene standards, COSHH regulations, and environmental health legislation. Be prepared to explain how you maintain a clean kitchen and ensure 5-star hygiene ratings. This will demonstrate your diligence and commitment to safety.
✨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. This will show that you value teamwork and communication.
✨Passion for Childcare
Express your enthusiasm for working with children and how you promote healthy eating habits. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your advocacy for safeguarding and well-being. This will resonate with the nursery's ethos and values.
