At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for children in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Company: Join a family-run nursery group with over 25 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounted childcare, and health care package.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and regular team celebrations await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Food hygiene certification and experience with dietary requirements are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ per year.
We are recruiting: Our award-winning nursery group is looking for a passionate and dedicated Chef to prepare fresh and nutritious meals for the children at our wonderful 90 place nursery in High Wycombe.
Position: Nursery Chef
Hours: 40 hours per week (8am-5pm), all year round
Salary: £31,500 per annum
About our nursery: We are a family-run business with over 25 years of experience and eight beautiful nurseries across Buckinghamshire and West London. Our High Wycombe setting is especially close to our hearts – a truly unique nursery nestled in the heart of the community. Celebrating its 6th birthday in 2025, the nursery was lovingly transformed into a vibrant early year setting by our founders, Olivia and Tim. Thoughtfully designed with stunning rooms, exceptional resources, and exciting outdoor gardens, the nursery is a place where curiosity, creativity, and joy come to life. The ongoing development of the nursery is a priority, with generous budgets for resources, enrichment activities, and creative projects which our dedicated maintenance team work closely with the nursery staff to bring inspiring ideas to life for the children.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary with regular reviews
- Workplace pension
- Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
- Extra Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift
- Bupa health care package
- Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
- 50% discounted childcare fees
- FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
- Retail discounts
- Free welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
- Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery
- Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery.
What we are looking for:
- Current (Level 2 +) Food Hygiene & First Aid
- Knowledge of allergens & demonstrable experience managing allergies & dietary requirements
- Experience in managing HACCP food controls
- Recognised Catering Qualification
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Good communication skills, patience & passion
- Friendly & flexible approach at work, which facilitates the development of effective relationships
- Previous experience working with young children would be desirable
You will be responsible for:
- Running the kitchen on a day to day basis
- Preparing and cooking fresh food for snacks, lunch and tea
- Implementing the daily routine of cleaning and cooking
- Monitoring, registering and maintaining appliance temperatures and charts
- Following menus – adhering to the recipe/ingredients list accordingly
- Liaising with staff/manager regarding children’s allergies, dietary requirements/preferences
- Working within the food hygiene standards and relevant health & safety regulations
- Ensuring adequate records are kept and updated regularly
- To cover in the absence of the Chef at our other nursery settings when required
Join our award-winning, family-run nursery group at our beautiful High Wycombe setting. Be part of a passionate team that’s making a real difference in children’s lives every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This is in line with updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 Guidance. Safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure Barring Scheme check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Nursery Chef in High Wycombe employer: Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries
At Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values passion and dedication in our team. Our High Wycombe nursery offers a supportive work culture with generous benefits, including competitive salaries, discounted childcare, and opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and development. Join us in making a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a vibrant and inclusive workplace.
Contact Details:
Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef in High Wycombe
✨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 Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries 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 Nursery Chef in High Wycombe
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 Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries 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 Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries
✨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!
