At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for children while maintaining hygiene standards.
- 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 career development opportunities in a welcoming environment.
- 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 essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 € 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. 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.” Situated on a main residential road, the nursery has its own car park area with plenty of spaces for drop off/pick up.
- 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
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.
- Prepare and cook meals daily with minimal waste
- Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment in line with regulations
- Complete hygiene checks and cleaning schedules
- Manage food orders to meet budget requirements
- Experience cooking in a domestic or commercial setting
- Strong knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements
- Ability to work within a catering budget
- Fluent spoken and written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent)
- 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. 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.
Chef DBS in Wickford employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Day Nursery - Wickford London Road offers a nurturing and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and supported. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the nursery provides generous benefits such as 24 days of annual leave, a paid birthday off, and a substantial childcare discount, alongside tailored training opportunities for professional growth. Located conveniently with excellent transport links and ample parking, this role as Nursery Chef not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's health and wellbeing but also ensures a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef DBS in Wickford
✨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 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 people in the nursery and catering industry. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to showcase your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Show up in person! If you can, visit the nursery and introduce yourself. A friendly face can make a lasting impression, and it shows you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef DBS in Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us know why you love cooking for children! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion and creativity in the kitchen. This will help us see how you can bring joy to our little ones' meals.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your previous cooking experience, whether it's in a domestic or commercial setting. We want to know about your skills in managing food orders, maintaining hygiene standards, and working within a budget. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we're looking for. Mention your knowledge of dietary requirements and allergies, as well as your ability to create nutritious meals. This shows us you're a great fit for our nursery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for at Just Imagine Day Nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients you’ll be using in the nursery kitchen. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh, nutritious meals and how you can cater to children's dietary needs. This shows your passion for cooking and understanding of child nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Prepare to talk about your experience maintaining high hygiene standards in the kitchen. Bring examples of how you've managed cleanliness and safety in previous roles. This is crucial in a nursery setting, so demonstrating your commitment to food safety will impress the interviewers.
✨Budgeting Skills Matter
Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed food orders within a budget in past positions. Share specific strategies you’ve used to minimise waste while still providing quality meals. This will highlight your ability to work efficiently and responsibly with resources.
✨Connect with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with the nursery team and parents, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in the past, especially in a childcare or educational environment. This will show that you’re not just a great chef, but also a team player who values communication and support.
