At a Glance
- Tasks: Create healthy, delicious meals that support children's growth and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Fennies, a family-owned nursery with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £33,000 salary, bonuses, free meals, and 20+ days annual leave.
- Other info: Full training provided; no previous nursery experience needed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health while enjoying a positive work environment.
- Qualifications: Passionate about cooking, organised, and knowledgeable about children's nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £33,000 per year plus potential for quarterly bonuses.
Create healthy, delicious meals that help children grow, thrive and enjoy every day. At Fennies, we know that great nutrition is a key part of early childhood development. As Nursery Chef, you’ll play an essential role in supporting children’s wellbeing by preparing balanced, nutritious meals in a safe, high-quality kitchen environment.
Why join Fennies?
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Up to £32,000 annual salary
- Performance-related bonuses
- Work-life balance Monday to Friday
- 20 days annual leave (increasing by 1 day for every year of service, up to 25 days) plus bank holidays
- Free daily meals from the Fennies Café
- Summer BBQs, Christmas events and company celebrations
- Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards
- Full training
- Support and mentoring from experienced Catering Managers
- Personalised development plans, mentoring and support
About the Role
As Nursery Chef, you’ll create nutritious, balanced meals that support children’s health, development and enjoyment of food. You will:
- Prepare fresh, healthy meals and snacks for children each day
- Plan menus that meet nutritional guidelines and dietary requirements
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness
- Ensure all allergens and dietary needs are carefully managed
- Work closely with the Nursery Manager and team to create a positive mealtime experience
- Support kitchen organisation, stock control and ordering
Every day, your cooking will help children build healthy habits and enjoy mealtimes in a safe and nurturing environment.
What we’re looking for
You don’t need previous nursery experience – we’ll provide the training you need. You’re a passionate and organised chef who takes pride in creating high-quality meals and maintaining excellent kitchen standards. We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in catering, in a childcare setting would be ideal, but not essential
- Knowledgeable about children’s nutrition and dietary requirements
- Qualified with a Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Trained in allergen awareness
- Organised, reliable and able to manage a busy kitchen environment
- A positive team player who enjoys working alongside others
Most importantly, you care about the impact your food has on children’s health and happiness.
Become part of the Fennies DNA
We’re family-owned and family-run; this guides our culture, our decision-making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. From our supportive culture to our high-quality environments, we’re committed to creating exceptional places to work and learn. Our People Promise inspires us to build the kind of culture that is ambitious, passionate and supportive.
At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Safeguarding
Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.
Nursery Chef New Purley employer: Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited
Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited is an outstanding employer, offering a nurturing work environment in Croydon where passionate educators can thrive. With a focus on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees enjoy competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and generous annual leave that increases with service, making it an ideal place for those dedicated to early years education.
Contact Details:
Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef New Purley
✨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 Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited 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 New Purley
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 Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited 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 Fennies Under 5s Day Nurseries Limited
✨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!
