At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for children while ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Just Imagine Day Nursery, part of Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Great transport links and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of food allergies required.
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: 72-74 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
What We’re Looking For
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.
Nursery Chef in Belfast employer: Family First Nursery Group
At Just Imagine Day Nursery, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and supportive work environment where every team member is valued. With excellent benefits such as 24 days of annual leave, a generous childcare discount, and tailored training opportunities, we are dedicated to your professional growth and wellbeing. Located conveniently in Wickford with great transport links and ample parking, this is an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area and familiarise yourself with Just Imagine Day Nursery. This shows genuine interest and helps you feel more comfortable when discussing how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to cooking for children and dietary requirements. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share your love for cooking and how it relates to children's health and wellbeing. We want to see that spark in you, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, don’t forget to apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Info Sorted:Before you dive into the application, make sure all your details are up to date. This includes your CV and any relevant certificates. We want to see your best self right from the start!
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your application, highlight your cooking experience and knowledge of dietary requirements. We love seeing how you can bring your culinary skills to our nursery and keep our little ones healthy!
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our nurturing environment, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with common dietary requirements and allergies, especially those relevant to children. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to these needs in your cooking, 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 young children. Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating nutritious meals that kids love. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your suitability for the nursery environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific scenarios, like managing food orders within a budget or maintaining hygiene standards. Think through your past experiences and be ready to provide examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
✨Understand the Nursery's Values
Research Just Imagine Day Nursery and their commitment to safeguarding and equality. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, particularly in terms of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for children. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the team.
