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.
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with great career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 14 £ 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
Contact Detail:
Grandir UK Recruiting Team
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 children's needs. Bring some creative recipes to the table that align with their child-led philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the nursery culture and what they value in a chef. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨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 you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about creating delicious meals for our little ones.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at College Town Montessori Nursery School. Highlight any relevant experience with children or in a nursery setting, as well as your understanding of the Montessori approach. This will show us that you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grandir UK
✨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 your ability to cater to diverse dietary needs.
✨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 preparation or education about healthy eating.
✨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 philosophy and operations. Inquire about how they incorporate feedback into menu planning or how they engage children in learning about food, which will show your genuine interest in their approach.