Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a top-rated nursery with a community-driven ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and knowledge of food hygiene standards required.
- Other info: Employee-owned company with excellent career growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
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 117 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Emscote House Day Nursery | Leamington Spa | CV32 5DE.
Contract: Permanent | 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 have 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 have 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 are 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 Chef employer: Childbase Partnership
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Emscote House Day Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the vibe will help you feel more at ease and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you have the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your ability to cater for children with dietary needs. This will demonstrate your passion and expertise in preparing wholesome meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked well with others, especially in a kitchen setting. Highlight how you’ve built relationships and mentored others, as this will resonate with the nursery's ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check out our website! Applying through StudySmarter not only makes it easier for us to find your application but also keeps you updated on any new opportunities. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for preparing healthy meals shine through! Share any experiences you have with cooking for children or catering in a nursery setting. We want to see that you’re not just about the food, but also about the joy it brings to little ones.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: Make sure to mention your knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards. We take hygiene seriously, so if you've got experience with COSHH or managing kitchen cleanliness, shout about it! This will show us that you can maintain our 5-star hygiene standards.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration: We love a team player! In your application, talk about how you've worked with others in a kitchen environment. Whether it's leading a team or collaborating with colleagues, we want to know how you build respectful relationships and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on our radar. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team at Childbase Partnership!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing for the children. Research healthy recipes that cater to various dietary needs and allergies. This will show your passion for wholesome cooking and your commitment to the children's well-being.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food hygiene standards, COSHH regulations, and allergen management. Bring examples of how you've maintained high hygiene standards in previous roles, as this is crucial for a Nursery Chef.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your collaborative skills during the interview. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with others, especially in a kitchen environment. Emphasising your ability to mentor and lead a Kitchen Assistant will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research Childbase Partnership’s ethos and values, particularly their focus on community and environmental responsibility. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
