At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and prepare healthy meals for children in a supportive nursery environment.
- 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 career growth in a nurturing setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health while working in a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef and a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate 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 Early Years Chef employer: Funky Owls Nursery
Funky Owls Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where your culinary skills directly contribute to the wellbeing of children. Located in Colliers Wood, SW19, we provide competitive benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a BUPA Healthcare Cash Plan, and dedicated training days to foster your professional growth. Join our friendly team and enjoy job stability in a family-run nursery that values both staff and children's health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Early Years Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take some time to research Funky Owls. Understand their values and how they prioritise children's wellbeing. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a sample of a healthy meal you've prepared. This not only demonstrates your cooking abilities but also your commitment to providing nutritious meals for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss dietary needs! Since you'll be catering for various allergies and preferences, come prepared with examples of how you've handled similar situations in the past. This will highlight your experience and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities at Funky Owls. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Early Years Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition:When writing your application, let us know why you care about children's nutrition. Share any experiences or ideas you have about healthy meals for kids. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous chef roles you've had, especially in nurseries or schools. We want to know how your past experiences can benefit our kitchen and the children we serve.
Be Clear About Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to include your Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate and any other relevant qualifications. If you're willing to get your Paediatric First Aid, mention that too! It shows us you're committed to safety and wellbeing.
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 updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Owls Nursery
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of healthy, balanced meals for children. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to dietary requirements and allergies, as this is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Wellbeing
During the interview, express your genuine interest in children's health and wellbeing. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about how nutrition impacts early childhood development.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage kitchen supplies and ensure high standards of hygiene and food safety. You might even want to bring examples of how you've successfully run a kitchen in the past.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions or scenarios related to kitchen management and meal planning. Think about how you would handle specific situations, like accommodating a child's allergy or managing stock levels efficiently.
