At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious menus and support a caring nursery environment.
- Company: Join Dicky Birds, a child-focused nursery with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days off, flexible hours, and a £500 referral bonus.
- Other info: Be part of a certified Great Place to Work with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a passion for nurturing children.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 30701 £ per year.
Dicky Birds, Pepys Road is part of Grandir UK. Salary £26,437- £30,701 (depending on experience and qualifications with regular pay reviews). Join a supportive, child-focused nursery offering strong benefits, flexible working and genuine career progression. Our Dicky Birds Day Nursery, including two ‘Outstanding’ rated nurseries, is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Field Nursery Chef to join our team. You will play a key role in caring for, supporting and inspiring our children, encouraging curiosity and helping them thrive every day. This role is to work between our Dicky Birds nurseries based in Surbiton, Wimbledon and Raynes Park.
Why You’ll Love Working at Dicky Birds Nurseries
- You will be part of a welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about one another.
- We create a positive working environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to grow.
Core Benefits
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 days used during the Christmas shutdown period.
- Christmas and New Year shutdown.
- Flexible working options available.
- £500 refer a friend bonus.
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Statutory Sick Pay from day 1.
- Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65.
- Certified Great Place to Work, voted for by our current colleagues.
About Our Nursery
Our dedicated team combines experience with fresh ideas, supported by ongoing training. We build strong relationships with families through events, stay-and-play sessions, a lending library, home activity packs, and regular updates via the Famly app.
Facilities
Age-specific rooms (baby, toddler, preschool) provide safe, nurturing spaces that support development, independence, and school readiness, alongside a garden for outdoor play and social skill building.
Activities
A wide range of engaging activities—including Forest School, Make and Bake, and PE—help develop life skills, coordination, and teamwork.
Community Outings
Regular trips around Raynes Park, including visits to the library, train station, and local parks, offer enriching real-world experiences and outdoor fun.
What will you be doing
- Prepare 6 monthly menus gaining feedback from catering staff, Managers and Regional Manager’s to produce final product.
- Support and guide catering staff and Nursery Manager.
- Monitor catering standards to maintain the highest levels of practice.
- Assist and support the Nursery Manager in the recruitment and selection of catering staff.
- Audit kitchens in a timely fashion, ensuring they meet TCC and PSN.
- Check that all kitchen paperwork is fully complete, accurate and up to date.
- Establish and maintain professional working relationships with Nursery staff.
Enhanced Family and Wellbeing Benefits
- Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100 percent for the first 12 weeks.
- Paternity leave paid at 100 percent for 4 weeks.
- Parental bereavement leave up to 4 weeks paid.
- Compassionate leave up to 2 weeks paid.
- Miscarriage leave up to 2 weeks paid.
- Wellbeing Day, an extra day off just for you.
- The Grand Event, up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years’ service.
Even More Benefits
- Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M and S and major supermarkets.
- 24 hour remote GP appointments.
- Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy and alternative therapies.
- Recognition, rewards and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams.
- Tailored in-house training and genuine progression opportunities.
- Sustainability focus with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation.
Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit based on merit. To support our recruitment process, we may use AI-assisted tools for tasks such as application screening and reference checks. These tools help us manage applications efficiently, and all hiring decisions are made by our team. Apply today. We review applications as they are received and may close the role early.
Floating Nursery Chef - Field Based employer: Grandir UK Limited
At Dicky Birds, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and child-focused nursery that values its employees. With a strong emphasis on career progression, flexible working options, and a positive work culture, our team enjoys generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, a company pension scheme, and a range of wellbeing initiatives. Join us in creating a nurturing environment for children while enjoying a fulfilling career in Surbiton, Wimbledon, and Raynes Park.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Floating Nursery Chef - Field Based
✨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 Grandir UK Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Grandir UK Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Grandir UK 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 Floating Nursery Chef - Field Based
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 Grandir UK 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 Grandir UK 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!
