At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals for children while ensuring food safety and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Fennies, a nursery committed to children's wellbeing and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free daily lunches, annual leave increases, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and enjoy a fun, collaborative kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for children and relevant food hygiene certifications.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth and support for mental health.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: 92 Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 5PP
Salary: Up to ÂŁ32,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours, Monday - Friday, 7 am - 4 pm
Reports to: Catering manager
What You’ll Be Doing
- Be All In: You bring unwavering commitment to preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals that support children’s health and wellbeing, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
- Come Together: You lead with thoughtful collaboration, working closely with Kitchen Assistants, Nursery Managers, and the wider team to ensure smooth operations and a positive mealtime experience for children and staff.
- Be Yourself: You demonstrate confident self‑awareness, taking pride in your role, adapting to individual dietary needs, and modelling professionalism and care in every aspect of kitchen life.
- Go Further: You show culinary ambition by continuously improving kitchen practices, mentoring your team, and contributing to innovative, child‑friendly menus that reflect Fennies’ values and standards.
Financial Rewards
- Salaries that match or exceed industry standards, reviewed annually. Includes performance‑related bonuses and a £500 referral bonus.
- Regular events like our annual Christmas Party and Summer BBQ, plus daily lunches with a variety of options; completely free!
- Targeted talent mapping, professional development programmes, and 1‑to‑1 coaching to help you grow in your role.
- Yearly increases in annual leave and recognition for your commitment through the Fennies Club, gift cards, and commemorative plaques celebrating your length of service and our Be All In spirit.
- Access to our BUPA Employee Assistance Programme for 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support, up to 33 days of annual leave, and childcare discounts available depending on your role.
What You Bring
- Understand how to cater for children’s dietary requirements by following up‑to‑date legislation regarding nutrition, and through your knowledge of catering for children.
- Maintain the high standards already in the setting to achieve the highest rating from the local council’s Environmental Health Department.
- Implement all relevant policies and procedures.
- Hold an L2/L3 Food Hygiene certificate.
- Completed Allergen Training.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. A diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives, driving innovation and excellence. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Fennies Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check and proof of identity will be required. In line with Safer Recruitment and Keeping Everyone Safe, we also carry out online searches for all shortlisted candidates, including Google and Social Media checks. Any relevant information found may be discussed during the interview process.
Nursery Chef - Addiscombe employer: Fennies Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Fennies Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef - Addiscombe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion for nutritious meals aligns with what Fennies stands for. It’s all about making a connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your culinary skills and be ready to talk about your experience with children's dietary needs. We want to hear about how you've adapted menus in the past and how you can bring that creativity to our kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; reach out! Connect with current staff on LinkedIn or through our website. Ask them about their experiences and get insider tips that could help you shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, be yourself! We value authenticity, so let your personality come through during the interview. Show us your passion for cooking and how you can contribute to a positive mealtime experience for the kids.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef - Addiscombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for preparing nutritious meals for children. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about catering to children's dietary needs and how you ensure their health and wellbeing.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: We love a collaborative spirit! Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've worked closely with others in a kitchen setting. Talk about how you’ve contributed to a positive environment and how you can bring that to our team.
Be Professional and Personable: In your application, show us your personality! We want to know how you take pride in your work and adapt to different situations. A touch of professionalism mixed with a friendly tone can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and standards we uphold at Fennies. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what we’re all about.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fennies Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on the latest dietary guidelines for children. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to various dietary needs and preferences, as this is crucial for the role of a Nursery Chef.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight your ability to work closely with Kitchen Assistants and Nursery Managers to create a positive mealtime experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Ambition
Think about innovative meal ideas that align with the nursery's values. Be prepared to share how you’ve improved kitchen practices in the past or how you plan to contribute to child-friendly menus.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and hygiene standards. Expect questions about how you maintain these standards and ensure compliance in your kitchen operations.