At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious, home-cooked meals for children while ensuring nutritional standards.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Guildhall Feoffment Preschool and Nursery.
- Benefits: Earn £14 per hour with a supportive work environment and wellbeing incentives.
- Other info: Enjoy a close-knit team atmosphere and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's health and wellbeing through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking, knowledge of food hygiene, and great teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Guildhall Feoffment Preschool and Nursery are looking for a warm, passionate, and organised Preschool and Nursery Cook to join our friendly team. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing delicious, home‑cooked meals and understands the importance of healthy nutrition in the Early Years. You will play a key role in providing balanced meals and snacks for our children, ensuring all food is prepared to a high standard and meets current nutritional guidelines.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and cooking fresh, home‑cooked meals and snacks in the nursery kitchen
- Planning menus that meet Early Years nutritional requirements
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Managing food orders and stock levels by completing a twice weekly food shop
- Catering for children with allergies and special dietary requirements
- Working closely with the nursery team to support the wider nursery environment.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, bubbly, and approachable
- Passionate about cooking nutritious meals for young children
- Well organised and able to work independently
- A great team player who enjoys being part of a close‑knit, supportive team
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety standards
You must be available to work school holidays.
What we offer:
- A welcoming and supportive working environment.
- Variety of wellbeing incentives, including staff summer and Christmas events, birthday off, weekly wellbeing treats, monthly staff wellbeing award.
- A close and caring team who work together.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our children.
If you have a passion for cooking and would love to be part of a nurturing Early Years setting, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact Lorna Spillane.
How to apply: Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by email.
Closing date: 22 June 2026
Interview date: 25 - 26 June 2026
Cook employer: Suffolk County Council
Guildhall Feoffment Preschool and Nursery is an excellent employer, offering a warm and supportive environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young children. With a focus on employee wellbeing, we provide various incentives such as summer and Christmas events, birthday off, and monthly wellbeing awards, fostering a close-knit team culture. Join us in Bury St Edmunds to enjoy a fulfilling role as a Cook, where your passion for nutritious cooking will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨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 Suffolk County Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Suffolk County Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Suffolk County Council 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 Cook
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 Suffolk County Council 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 Suffolk County Council
✨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!
