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 await you.
- 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.
Chef - DBS Required in 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 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 make your presence known.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your passion for cooking for children. Bring examples of your work or ideas for nutritious meals to impress the hiring team.
✨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 proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - DBS Required in 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 or stories 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 application well, but don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through!
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 in your cooking, as this shows your understanding of the role and commitment to children's health.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, share your enthusiasm for cooking for young children. Talk about any previous experiences or creative ideas you have for nutritious meals that are appealing to kids. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Hygiene is Key
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of kitchen hygiene standards and safety regulations. You might even want to mention specific practices you follow to maintain a clean kitchen environment, as this is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Budget Savvy
Understand the importance of managing food orders within budget constraints. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous roles, as this will show your ability to handle the financial aspects of the position effectively.
