At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals for kids while ensuring allergy safety and nutritional balance.
- Company: Join Acorn Nursery, a leading childcare provider with over 25 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 65% childcare discount, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Potential for permanent position and excellent career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and well-being in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and a passion for cooking for children.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for an inspirational Nursery Chef, with a minimum of Level 2 Food Hygiene, to join our Acorn Nursery at our nursery in Emberton. The nursery is set in a small village just outside Newport Pagnell. Children take regular walks to the local park and around the village. They are also able to benefit from the nursery’s Outdoor Learning Centre. THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION COVERING MATERNITY LEAVE. THIS COULD BECOME A PERMANENT POSITION IF ABLE TO TRAVEL TO OTHER NURSERY SETTINGS.
We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford with over 25 years’ experience who specialise in nature pedagogy and promoting the professional development of our employees. We are really proud to have recently been awarded a Top 20 Day Nurseries group award.
You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, great training and progression opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, and 65% childcare discount. As a not-for-profit organisation, Acorn always puts the needs of the children first, meaning you will be working for a business that cares about more than just profit.
Aims of the Role
- To deliver a healthy, child-centred and nutritionally balanced menu to the children in the nursery, using fresh produce and as little salt, sugar, artificial flavourings and sweeteners as possible. A rolling four-week menu plan is currently in place, which is adapted twice a year according to the seasons.
- To cater for special dietary needs, providing appropriate and nutritious alternative meals for children with allergies, intolerances, and preferences.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and present all food to a high standard in a timely manner, in accordance with the company menu/recipes and individual needs of the setting.
- Ensure all catering activities are carried out in-line with the agreed budget.
- Make suitable adaptations to meals/snacks and liaise with key staff as appropriate; adaptations may be needed for babies and younger children, allergies, intolerances, and/or preferences.
- To purchase all supplies through agreed nominated suppliers, ensuring sufficient orders are made on a weekly basis.
- To follow all company policies and procedures, and complete all relevant operational paperwork.
- To encourage and take part in cooking sessions with the children.
- Ensure all elements of health and safety legislation are complied with, especially regarding safe working practices, hygiene practices, fire procedures and staff training.
- Follow all guidelines and standards set out by Environmental Health Trading Standards.
- Facilitate inspections from regulatory bodies, awarding bodies, and implement any recommendations.
- To attend staff meetings, work closely with other chefs and staff in the setting, and to undertake training as required.
- To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the manager.
Working at Acorn
As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:
- Pay scales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually.
- 65% childcare discount - Pro rata according to contracted hours.
- Generous family leave.
- Christmas closure.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more).
- 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Cyclescheme.
- Techscheme.
- Length of Service awards.
- Summer and Christmas parties.
- Pay advances.
- Employee assistance wellbeing programme.
Nursery Chef: Fresh, Allergy-Safe Menus for Kids in Olney employer: Only Chefs Ltd
Acorn Nursery is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing both children and staff in a supportive environment. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and generous benefits such as a 65% childcare discount and enhanced pension contributions, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive. Located in the picturesque village of Emberton, the nursery offers a unique opportunity to work in a setting that prioritises child-centred care and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef: Fresh, Allergy-Safe Menus for Kids in Olney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's ethos! Research Acorn Nursery and their focus on nature pedagogy. When you chat with them, show how your cooking aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission of providing healthy meals for kids.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your culinary skills! If you get an interview, think about bringing a sample dish or discussing your favourite recipes that cater to allergies. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to allergy-safe cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs and childcare professionals! Join local groups or forums where you can connect with others in the industry. They might have insights or even job leads that could help you land this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Acorn team and are keen to be part of a leading childcare provider.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef: Fresh, Allergy-Safe Menus for Kids in Olney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you write your application, let us see your love for cooking and working with kids shine through! Share any experiences you've had in creating healthy meals or catering for special dietary needs – it’ll make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to mention your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and any other relevant qualifications. We want to know you’re up to speed with health and safety standards, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. If you have experience with allergy-safe menus or working in a nursery setting, be sure to include that – it shows you’re the right fit for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the position. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the current rolling four-week menu and can discuss how you would adapt it for different dietary needs. Be ready to share your ideas on using fresh produce and creating allergy-safe meals.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Child Nutrition
Demonstrate your understanding of child-centred nutrition and how it impacts development. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully catered to children’s dietary preferences or allergies.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Highlight your ability to work closely with other staff members. Discuss how you would collaborate with key staff to ensure meals meet individual needs, and be prepared to talk about any previous teamwork experiences.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills in food preparation and safety. Think about scenarios where you had to comply with health and safety regulations, and be ready to explain how you would handle inspections from regulatory bodies.
