At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals for children in a safe environment.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Footsteps Nursery Fradley.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, birthday off, and employee wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health and happiness every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in meal preparation and understanding of dietary needs required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Alrewas, United Kingdom | Posted on 18/05/2026
Footsteps Nursery Fradley is looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Nursery Chef/Kitchen Assistant to join our friendly team. Your role will be central to ensuring our children enjoy healthy, balanced meals in a safe and welcoming environment.
Working behind the scenes, you'll prepare and cook fresh, age-appropriate meals while maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness. Your commitment to quality and care will support children's health, development and happiness every day.
What we offer:
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off
- Employee wellbeing and assistance programme
- Tailored learning and development opportunities
- Refer a Friend bonus scheme
- Supportive and welcoming team environment
- Opportunities to grow within the Family First Group
The role:
As our Nursery Chef, you'll be responsible for delivering nutritious meals while maintaining an organised, safe and compliant kitchen. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and cooking fresh meals each day while minimising food waste
- Catering for all dietary requirements, allergies and cultural needs
- Maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic kitchen in line with food safety regulations
- Following Red, Amber and Green Plate procedures
- Completing daily hygiene records and cleaning schedules
- Managing stock and food orders within budget
- Ensuring all health, safety and food hygiene standards are consistently met
What we're looking for:
- Experience preparing meals in a domestic or commercial kitchen
- Good understanding of food allergies and dietary requirements
- Knowledge of COSHH regulations
- Experience working within a catering budget
- Fluent spoken and written English
- Experience cooking for young children
- A passion for providing healthy, nutritious meals that children enjoy
If you are looking for a rewarding role where your work makes a genuine impact on children's health and wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
Footsteps Nursery Fradley 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/Kitchen Assistant in Alrewas employer: Family First
At CherryField Nursery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of our team. Located in the vibrant area of Epsom, our newly refurbished nursery offers a supportive work culture with tailored learning opportunities, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts. Join us to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding career in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef/Kitchen Assistant in Alrewas
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Family First. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Family First
Don't be shy about reaching out to Family First directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef/Kitchen Assistant in Alrewas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Family First and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
