At a Glance
- Tasks: Create healthy meals for little learners and manage a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Funky Owls, a family-run nursery dedicated to children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, birthday off, healthcare plan, and paid training.
- Other info: Stable job with excellent growth opportunities in a friendly environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's health while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef and a passion for children's nutrition required.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33696 £ per year.
Join a supportive, family-run nursery where your work has a real impact on children’s wellbeing.
Location: Colliers Wood, SW19
Salary: Up to £33,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Monday–Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm (40 hours per week)
About Funky Owls: Funky Owls Nursery is an independent, family-run setting focused on creating a positive, supportive environment for both children and staff. We understand how important nutrition is in early childhood — and our kitchen plays a key role in delivering high-quality care every day.
The Role: As our Nursery Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen in our 68-place nursery. You will:
- Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals for children
- Manage the kitchen safely and efficiently
- Ensure high standards of hygiene and food safety
- Cater for dietary requirements and allergies
- Order stock and manage kitchen supplies
- Occasionally support with light housekeeping duties
Requirements:
- Experience as a chef (nursery, school or similar setting preferred)
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (essential)
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
- Organised, reliable, and able to work independently
- A genuine interest in children’s health and wellbeing
Job offers will be dependent on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and at least 2 valid and up to date references. Funky Owls Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all those applying for a vacancy to share this commitment. We follow our safe recruitment policy each time we recruit an individual to join our team.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave (increasing with service)
- Birthday off
- Christmas closure
- BUPA Healthcare Cash Plan
- Company pension
- Paid training and CPD
- 4 staff training days per year (nursery closed)
- 1-hour lunch break (off the floor)
- Supportive, friendly team environment
- Job stability in a well-established nursery
Nursery Chef: Healthy Meals for Little Learners (Mon–Fri) employer: Funky Owls Nursery
Funky Owls Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and family-oriented environment where your role as a Nursery Chef directly contributes to the wellbeing of children. With competitive benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a BUPA Healthcare Cash Plan, and dedicated training days, we prioritise employee growth and job satisfaction. Located in Colliers Wood, SW19, our supportive team culture ensures that you feel valued and empowered in your culinary contributions to early childhood nutrition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef: Healthy Meals for Little Learners (Mon–Fri)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare and culinary fields. You never know who might have a lead on a Nursery Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your love for healthy cooking and children's wellbeing shine through. Share your ideas on nutritious meals and how they can impact little learners.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared with examples! Think of specific situations where you've managed a kitchen or catered for dietary needs. This will show you're not just talk but have the experience to back it up.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef: Healthy Meals for Little Learners (Mon–Fri)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition:When writing your application, let us know why you care about children's health and nutrition. Share any experiences or ideas you have about creating healthy meals that kids will love!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous chef roles you've had, especially in nurseries or schools. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on high-quality care and food safety.
Be Organised and Clear:Keep your application neat and structured. Use bullet points if needed to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application reflects the organised chef we’re looking for!
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 don’t miss out on any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Owls Nursery
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of healthy meals for children. Be ready to discuss how you can create balanced menus that cater to various dietary needs and allergies. This shows your genuine interest in children's health and wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous experience as a chef, especially in nursery or school settings. Highlight specific examples where you managed kitchen operations, maintained hygiene standards, or catered to special dietary requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing kitchen supplies and ensuring efficient operations, be ready to share how you stay organised. Discuss any systems or methods you use to keep track of stock and manage your time effectively in a busy kitchen.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Funky Owls values a supportive environment, so be prepared to discuss how you work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with staff in the past, whether it’s coordinating with teachers or helping with light housekeeping duties.
