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, 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 and wellbeing in a supportive environment.
- 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: 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. 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.
Locations
Chef - DBS Required in Essex, Wickford employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Day Nursery in Wickford offers a supportive and nurturing work environment where your contributions as a Nursery Chef are genuinely valued. With excellent benefits including 24 days of annual leave, a generous childcare discount, and tailored training opportunities, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located conveniently near Wickford High Street and with ample parking, this role provides a fulfilling opportunity to make a positive impact on children's health and wellbeing while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - DBS Required in Essex, Wickford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past Just Imagine Day Nursery and soak in the vibe. Familiarising yourself with the location and its surroundings can give you a leg up when discussing how you’d fit into their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of your cooking or share a recipe that highlights your understanding of dietary needs for children. This will not only impress them but also show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! During your interview, ask questions about the nursery's approach to food and nutrition. This shows you’re genuinely interested in their practices and ready to collaborate with the staff to create a nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - DBS Required in Essex, Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking, especially for children. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your passion and creativity in the kitchen!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you've cooked in a domestic or commercial setting. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for, so be specific about your experience with dietary requirements and food allergies.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A personal touch can make your application stand out, so don’t hesitate to share a bit about yourself!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Just Imagine Day Nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and allergies that children may have. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to these needs while preparing nutritious meals. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to children's health.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking for young children. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your passion for creating healthy meals that kids will love. This personal touch can make a big difference!
✨Demonstrate Hygiene Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about hygiene practices and safety standards in the kitchen. Discuss your experience with maintaining cleanliness and following regulations, as this is crucial in a nursery setting. Mention any specific procedures you follow to ensure a safe cooking environment.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing food orders within budget is part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully worked within a catering budget before. This could include strategies for minimising waste or sourcing ingredients cost-effectively.
