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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a top-rated nursery with a community-driven ethos.
- 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: Employee-owned company with great career development opportunities.
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 128 children aged 6 weeks-5 years old.
Location: Sandfield Day Nursery | Headington, Oxford | OX3 7RH (on the John Radcliffe Hospital site).
Contract: Permanent | 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Monday-Friday | Alternating shifts of 07:00am-15:30pm and 09:00am-17:30pm.
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, your co-Cook, and your Kitchen Assistant maintain 5-star hygiene standards within the 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 and effectively lead and mentor the 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 - Headington, Oxford employer: Childbase Partnership
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook / Chef - Headington, Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or even visit the nursery if possible. 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 can, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your ability to cater for children’s dietary needs. This will not only impress but also demonstrate your passion for healthy meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the Nursery Manager and your co-Cook, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in the kitchen. Highlighting your teamwork skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to nutrition or how they support their staff. This shows you're engaged and serious about being part of their team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook / Chef - Headington, Oxford
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, especially with kids' meals. We want to see how you've handled dietary requirements and allergies in the past, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Demonstrate Your Diligence: We value attention to detail, especially when it comes to hygiene and safety standards. Mention your knowledge of COSHH, allergens, and food hygiene training to show us you take these responsibilities seriously.
Be Collaborative: Since teamwork is key in our kitchens, share how you've worked with others in previous roles. Talk about your experience in managing budgets or mentoring kitchen staff, as this will resonate well with us at StudySmarter.
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 would prepare healthy meals and accommodate allergies. This shows your passion for cooking and understanding of children's nutrition.
✨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 safety for the children. This will demonstrate your diligence and commitment to high standards.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your collaborative skills by sharing examples of how you've worked with others in a kitchen environment. Discuss how you would support your co-Cook and Kitchen Assistant, as teamwork is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Budgeting
Understand the basics of managing a kitchen budget. Be prepared to talk about how you would contribute to the nursery's profitability while still providing nutritious meals. This shows your ability to balance quality with cost-effectiveness.
