At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a top-rated employee-owned nursery group.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a community-driven, environmentally responsible organisation with great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food hygiene standards required.
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 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 in May/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: £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 Co‑Cook 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 and your Co‑Cook, you will contribute towards the profitability of the nursery by managing the kitchen budget, build respectful relationships with colleagues, children and parents.
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 Reading employer: Childbase Partnership Ltd
Childbase Partnership Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment at Sandfield Day Nursery in Headington, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. With flexible hours and a commitment to professional development, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children. The employee-owned culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring that every team member feels empowered and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their website. Understanding their ethos and values will help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your ability to cater for children with dietary needs. It’s a tasty way to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the Nursery Manager and Co-Cook, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in the kitchen or any other setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about their menu planning or how they promote healthy eating among the kids. It’ll demonstrate your passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef in Reading
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 us 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 different dietary requirements and allergies in the past. The more specific you are, the better we can understand your skills!
Demonstrate Your Diligence: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. This will reassure us that you take kitchen cleanliness seriously!
Be Collaborative:Since teamwork is key in our kitchens, share examples of how you've worked with others in previous roles. Whether it's managing a budget or building relationships with colleagues, let us know how you contribute to a positive work environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and ingredients you'll be working with. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to children's dietary needs and allergies, as this is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Eating
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for preparing wholesome meals. Share examples of how you've promoted healthy eating in previous roles, and be prepared to suggest ideas for engaging children in nutrition.
✨Understand Hygiene Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Be ready to explain how you maintain high hygiene standards in the kitchen, as this will be a key focus during your interview.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your teamwork skills. Discuss how you’ve worked with others in a kitchen environment and how you plan to build respectful relationships with colleagues, parents, and children at the nursery.
