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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children and manage kitchen staff in a fun, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Sunny Day Nurseries, a caring community dedicated to children's well-being and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy free DBS checks, half-price childcare, and a hot lunch during shifts.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 catering qualification and at least one year of experience.
- Other info: Flexible hours available, with opportunities for training and career growth.
Salary: £12.41 to £14.00 per hour (20-30 hours per week).
Location: Honiton
Application Process
Please fill out the application form, including a valid email address and your preferred nursery location.
Responsibilities
- Manage temporary or permanent kitchen staff.
- Organise and manage the kitchen and serving areas, preparing healthy meals and snacks for children under eleven, following nutritional guidelines.
- Work as part of a team dedicated to providing quality care respecting children's social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional needs, in line with the Child Care Act 2006, Sunny Day Nurseries policies, and relevant legislation.
- Promote Sunny Day Nurseries to parents, the community, and professionals.
- Actively promote equal opportunities for children, families, and staff, respecting gender, race, language, disability, age, religion, culture, sexuality, and class.
Rewards and Perks
- Free DBS check
- £250 Refer a Friend scheme and recruitment bonus upon successful probation
- Length of service bonus (monetary for every 5 years of employment)
- Sick pay scheme (eligible after 1 year, accumulating 1 day per year up to 5 years)
- Half-price childcare from day 1
- Hot staff lunch provided during shifts
Duties
- Cook wholesome meals and snacks for children up to five years old, and snacks for children aged 5-11 in the Play Club.
- Maintain the kitchen and dining areas to high standards following Health and Safety guidelines.
- Minimise fire risks and ensure fire equipment is well maintained.
- Follow Food & Hygiene guidelines, undertake food safety monitoring, and maintain hygiene standards.
- Create menus providing varied, nutritious diets, considering dietary requirements and allergies.
- Order food from local suppliers, managing quality, seasonality, and costs, and keep records.
- Ensure all equipment is in good condition and keep cleaning records.
- Clean the kitchen and dining areas thoroughly, and manage waste appropriately.
- Adhere to nursery policies and procedures, prioritising child welfare.
- Communicate effectively with children and staff, working well as part of a team.
- Assist children during cookery activities as needed.
- Maintain up-to-date food hygiene qualifications and train staff on safe food handling.
- Participate in performance reviews and training opportunities.
- Show courtesy and kindness to staff, children, and parents.
- Perform any other duties as required by the Nursery Manager and Directors.
Apply online; our team will contact you for an informal chat or to arrange a nursery tour.
Nursery Cook employer: Sunnydays
Contact Detail:
Sunnydays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the nutritional guidelines and dietary requirements for children. This knowledge will not only help you in the kitchen but also show your commitment to providing healthy meals, which is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in managing kitchen staff or working as part of a team. Being able to demonstrate your leadership skills and teamwork will make you stand out as a candidate who can effectively manage the nursery kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle food safety and hygiene in the kitchen. Having specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sunny Day Nurseries and their values. Understanding their approach to childcare and community engagement will allow you to tailor your conversation during the informal chat, demonstrating that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Nursery Cook position. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, such as the minimum Level 2 catering qualification and experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in cooking for children, managing kitchen staff, and adhering to health and safety guidelines. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to create nutritious meals and work as part of a team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and working with children. Mention specific experiences that align with the nursery's values, such as promoting equal opportunities and maintaining high hygiene standards.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, ensuring you provide a valid email address and your preferred nursery location. Double-check for any errors before submitting to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunnydays
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and preparing healthy meals for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for food and how it can positively impact children's health and well-being.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Nutritional Guidelines
Familiarise yourself with nutritional guidelines relevant to children's diets. Be prepared to discuss how you would create balanced menus that cater to various dietary needs and allergies, showcasing your understanding of the importance of nutrition in early childhood.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working as part of a team, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues in a kitchen environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery
Show your interest in the nursery by preparing thoughtful questions about their policies, values, and community involvement. This demonstrates that you are not only interested in the job but also in contributing positively to their environment and culture.
