At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Catering Lead in managing nursery meals and deliver fun cooking activities.
- Company: Join the vibrant Hopscotch nursery team dedicated to nurturing children.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities to grow and develop your catering skills.
- Why this job: Combine your love for cooking with working in a fun, child-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Food safety certificate and a passion for cooking with kids.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
We are currently seeking a dedicated Relief Cook to join our Hopscotch nursery team. In this role, you will support our Catering Lead in the following:
- Managing the catering store with the Catering Lead, including batch cooking for emergency purposes.
- Supporting the Catering Lead with covering cooks’ leave/sickness.
- Supporting nursery rooms by role modelling mealtimes.
- Delivering ‘Cooking with Children’ activities in the nurseries.
- Supporting the Catering Lead in creating menus and recipes.
- Supporting and coaching catering apprentices as required.
This role is based at our Head office in Fareham; however, you will need to be able to travel to all of our settings using your own transport.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential requirements for the role:
- Hold current Level 3 Food safety and hygiene certificate.
- Food allergy awareness, knowledge of specific diets.
- Health and safety/COSHH awareness.
- Driving licence, with own vehicle.
Desirable requirements for the role:
- Level 2 in nutrition.
- At least 2 years catering experience in management.
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
- Natural affinity to children.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team and independently.
- Experience of managing a nursery catering unit.
- Computer literate.
Position Details:
Part-time: Monday – Friday 35 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. Starting salary: £27,118.00.
If you are passionate about providing quality meals in a nursery setting and have the skills to thrive in this role, we’d love to hear from you!
Closing Date: Friday 14th August 2026.
Relief Cook in Fareham employer: Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd
At Hopscotch, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive work environment in our picturesque Titchfield setting. Our team is dedicated to professional growth, providing ongoing training and development opportunities for Early Years Practitioners, ensuring you can thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children. Join us and be part of a passionate community that values creativity, collaboration, and the joy of shaping future generations.
Contact Details:
Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Cook in Fareham
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Cook in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Hopscotch Day Nurseries Ltd and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
