At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for children while ensuring safety and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join a nurturing team at Just Imagine Day Nursery, part of the Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, 75% childcare discount, and health support.
- Other info: Great transport links and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and wellbeing through your cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary requirements are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25688 - 25688 £ per year.
We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Nursery Chef to join our welcoming team at Just Imagine Day Nursery – Wickford London Road, part of the Family First Group.
Location: London Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0AN
Salary: £25,688 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Our latest Ofsted report praised the supportive leadership at the nursery, highlighting a manager who is “responsive and listens to staff” and “continuously strives to improve practice.” You’ll be joining a nurturing, reflective environment where your role is truly valued. The nursery is located on London Road, less than a 10-minute walk away from Wickford High Street. The Wickford train station is just 10 minutes walking distance away. Situated on a main residential road, the nursery has its own car park area with plenty of spaces for drop off/ pick up.
What We Offer:
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays and a paid birthday off
- 75% childcare discount for team members
- £750 referral bonus for recommending a friend
- Health & wellbeing support, including a confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Tailored training and development opportunities
- Excellent transport links and on-site parking
About the Role:
As Nursery Chef, you’ll be responsible for preparing and cooking fresh, nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children each day. You’ll maintain high standards of hygiene and safety, ensure all dietary and allergy requirements are met, and manage food ordering within budget. You’ll work closely with the nursery team and parents to support children’s health, wellbeing, and overall nursery experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook meals daily with minimal waste
- Ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are catered for
- Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment in line with regulations
- Follow Red, Amber and Green plate procedures
- Complete hygiene checks and cleaning schedules
- Manage food orders to meet budget requirements
Essential Experience:
- Cooking in a domestic or commercial setting
- Strong knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements
- Understanding of COSHH
- Ability to work within a catering budget
- Fluent spoken and written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)
Desirable:
- Experience and passion for cooking for young children
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
Just Imagine Day Nursery - Wickford London Road is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.
Nursery Chef in Basildon employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Day Nursery offers a nurturing and supportive work environment where your contributions as a Nursery Chef are genuinely valued. With excellent benefits such as 24 days of annual leave, a generous childcare discount, and tailored training opportunities, you will find ample room for personal and professional growth. Located conveniently on London Road in Wickford, the nursery boasts great transport links and a welcoming atmosphere that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and children.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues to let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Chef role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the childcare and culinary fields. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to showcase your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cooking for children and dietary requirements. Show off your knowledge of food allergies and how you ensure safety in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Just Imagine Day Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking, especially for children. Share any experiences that highlight your passion and creativity in the kitchen – it’ll make your application stand out!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in cooking, whether it's in a domestic or commercial setting. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing your culinary journey!
Be Clear About Dietary Knowledge:Since we cater to children's dietary requirements, it’s crucial to mention your understanding of food allergies and dietary needs. This shows us you’re not just a great cook, but also someone who cares about the health and safety of our little ones.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients and dietary requirements that are common in a nursery setting. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to allergies and preferences, as this shows your understanding of the role and commitment to children's health.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking for children. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating nutritious meals that kids will love. This can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Hygiene Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about hygiene practices and safety regulations in the kitchen. Discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety while cooking, as this is crucial in a nursery environment. Mention any specific procedures you follow.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing food orders within budget is part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous positions. This could include strategies for minimising waste or sourcing affordable ingredients without compromising quality.
