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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for up to 85 children, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a leading employee-owned nursery group.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and exclusive partner perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food hygiene standards.
- Other info: Be part of a community-driven, environmentally responsible organisation.
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
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership 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 check out their social media. Understanding their vibe 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 creativity. It’s a tasty way to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss dietary needs! Brush up on common allergies and how you’d handle them in the kitchen. They’ll love to see your knowledge and commitment to child safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about their team culture or how they support career development. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you’re keen to be part of their community.
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 why you're excited about preparing healthy 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: Since attention to detail is key in our kitchens, mention your knowledge of hygiene standards and how you ensure a clean and safe cooking environment. This will show us you're serious about maintaining high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our amazing team at Childbase Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the dietary needs of children. Be ready to discuss how you can prepare healthy meals that cater to allergies and preferences. This shows your passion for cooking and your commitment to child welfare.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene standards and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to explain how you maintain a clean kitchen and ensure food safety, as this is crucial in a nursery environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your collaborative skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked with others in a kitchen setting, especially in mentoring roles. This will show that you can build respectful relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to the nursery's environment.
✨Passion for Childcare
Express your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can promote healthy eating habits. Discuss any previous experience you have in childcare settings, as this will resonate well with the ethos of the nursery.
