At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious menus and inspire young minds through nutritious meals.
- Company: Join a caring team at College Town Montessori Nursery School & Preschool.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 33 days leave, and a £500 referral bonus.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
College Town Montessori Nursery School & Preschool, part of Grandir UK, is looking for a caring and enthusiastic 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.
Why You’ll Love Working at College Town Montessori Nursery School & Preschool?
At College Town Montessori Nursery School & Preschool, 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
At College Town Montessori Nursery, we follow a child-led Montessori curriculum that encourages children to explore at their own pace and build confidence, independence and curiosity from the very start. Alongside Montessori learning, we offer French classes and enrichment activities to support language, social and physical development.
Our Location
Situated in the heart of College Town, Sandhurst, we’re close to local parks and green spaces and easily accessible for families in the community.
Our Team
Our highly experienced staff include a qualified Montessori lead, a SENCo practitioner and a French teacher, all dedicated to nurturing each child’s potential and supporting families along the way.
Facilities
Children enjoy bright, inspiring playrooms with age-appropriate Montessori resources and a large garden area, complete with outdoor play equipment, planting gardens and creative spaces to foster exploration and physical growth.
Activities
We offer a mix of activities, including French lessons, yoga, Boogie Mites and our unique Sow & Grow sessions, helping children develop holistically through fun, hands-on experiences.
Community Outings
Regular local walks and visits to nearby parks help children connect with nature, build confidence in new environments and enjoy fresh air and adventure outside the nursery.
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.
Chef in Sandhurst employer: Grandir UK Limited
At College Town Montessori Nursery School & Preschool, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and child-focused employer, offering a nurturing environment where our staff feel valued and respected. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee growth through tailored training, we ensure that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Sandhurst, our nursery provides a vibrant community atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early childhood education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Sandhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around College Town Montessori. Familiarise yourself with their approach and values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Be ready to discuss your menu ideas and how you can cater to the children's needs. Bring some creative recipes to the table that align with their child-led philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child development! During the interview, share your thoughts on how nutrition impacts children's growth and learning. This will demonstrate that you understand the role's importance beyond just cooking.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we review applications as they come in, so don’t wait too long to throw your hat in the ring!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Sandhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love being a chef! Share your enthusiasm for creating healthy meals for children and how you can inspire their curiosity through food.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in childcare or working in a nursery setting. We want to see how your background aligns with our Montessori approach and the values we hold dear.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon so we can easily understand your skills and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at College Town Montessori Nursery School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grandir UK Limited
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and prepare a few sample menus that align with the Montessori approach. This shows your understanding of child-friendly nutrition and creativity in meal planning.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
Be ready to discuss how your cooking can support children's growth and development. Share examples of how you’ve previously engaged children in food-related activities or how you plan to incorporate educational elements into meal prep.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with nursery staff, highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively and maintain positive relationships in a kitchen environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions that reflect your interest in the nursery's values and practices. Inquire about their approach to menu feedback or how they involve children in food choices, showing that you’re keen to contribute to their community-focused ethos.
