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- Tasks: Assist in preparing nutritious meals for children in a fun, outdoor nursery setting.
- Company: Join the UK's first yurt-based outdoor nursery with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 50% childcare discount, wellness days, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while enjoying a unique outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food and Hygiene certification and experience in a commercial kitchen.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Overview Nursery: Farley Sparsholt Outdoor Nursery School, Garstons Track, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2NB
Hours: Part Time, Monday - Friday, 20 hours per week (2pm-6pm)
Salary: £12.35 - £12.75 per hour (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Benefits: Performance related bonus, 50% childcare discount, wellness day and much more.
Our nursery school is a truly special place to learn and play. We’re proud to be the UK’s first yurt-based outdoor nursery, nestled within a two-acre site surrounded by the fields and animals of Sparsholt College. Our children spend much of their time exploring the great outdoors, our cosy yurts provide a calm and nurturing space—designed with natural acoustics, a soothing sensory atmosphere, and insulated with sheep’s wool to stay warm and welcoming throughout the winter months. At Farley Sparsholt, we encourage our children to be curious, imaginative, and confident learners in a setting where nature is their classroom. Our days are filled with hands-on experiences that spark curiosity—from bug hunts and woodland adventures to growing our own seasonal vegetables. We believe that outdoor learning inspires not only a love for the natural world but also a lifelong love of learning.
About you
You are a dedicated, Level 2 Food and Hygiene qualified cook with a solid understanding of Health and Safety regulations and COSHH and you’re looking for a new role in a fun, friendly team, where you can thrive and make the most of your culinary skills.
What you’ll be doing
As an Assistant Nursery Chef/Cook, you will be working closely with the Nursery Cook, assisting in preparing nutritious, freshly made meals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene in the nursery kitchen at all times. Your flexibility and reliability will ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen. Day to day you will find yourself:
- Catering for children with specific dietary needs
- Working to an extremely high level when it comes to the relevant Food and Hygiene, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health-Food Safety, Health and Safety and Ofsted guidelines and regulations
- Ensuring that all children are kept safe and have rich stimulating eating experiences
- Maintaining stock levels and ensuring stock rotation
- Following COSHH and other relevant guidelines
- Deputising for the Cook in all absences with the expectation of deputising full time when this is required
What you’ll need
- Level 2 Food and Hygiene
- Experience in a commercial kitchen as an assistant cook/chef or something very similar
- Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations and COSHH
What you’ll get
- Competitive rates of pay dependent on experience, qualification and NMW age guidance
- Performance related bonuses
- 50% childcare discount
- Annual wellness day off
- Access to retail and other discounts through Perkbox
- 20 days holidays (plus bank holiday), increasing to 22 days after 2 years service and 25 days after 5 years service
- Dedicated learning and development support
- Access to one-to-one confidential counselling sessions through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Plus, many more.
We care about our people.
About us
This nursery is part of Storal, a group of nurseries across England. It is our vision at Storal to be the nursery group that every family and educator wants to be part of. Our values are built around creating this environment for teams and children. We believe in high standards, praising each other, pulling together as a team whilst actively helping others to grow and that’s only the beginning of the story. We do what we say we do and if you align with this approach, then a Storal nursery is the place for you. Storal is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All employees will be subject to background checks, enhanced DBS check and reference checks.
Assistant Nursery Cook employer: Storal Learning Ltd
Contact Detail:
Storal Learning Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Nursery Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit Farley Sparsholt if you can, or check out their social media. Understanding their vibe and values will help you connect during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even a sample if possible. This is your chance to impress them with your creativity and passion for food.
✨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 look for in a team member.
✨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 Storal family.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Nursery Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking for children. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your love for creating nutritious meals and how you can contribute to our outdoor nursery's unique environment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Level 2 Food and Hygiene qualification and any other relevant certifications. We want to see that you understand Health and Safety regulations and COSHH, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we’re looking for. Use specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the Assistant Nursery Cook role.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Farley Sparsholt Outdoor Nursery School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Storal Learning Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Level 2 Food and Hygiene knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied health and safety regulations in previous roles, especially in a kitchen environment. This shows you’re not just qualified, but also experienced!
✨Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
Since this nursery is all about outdoor learning, think of examples where you've engaged with children in a fun and educational way. Share any experiences you have with cooking or preparing meals that tie into nature or seasonal ingredients.
✨Be Ready for Dietary Needs Questions
Expect questions about catering for children with specific dietary needs. Prepare to discuss how you would handle allergies or special diets, and maybe even share a few meal ideas that are both nutritious and appealing to kids.
✨Team Player Attitude
This role involves working closely with the Nursery Cook and other staff. Be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive kitchen environment in the past. Highlight your flexibility and reliability, as these are key traits they’re looking for!
