At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals for children aged 0-5 while ensuring food safety and hygiene.
- Company: A nurturing nursery focused on providing quality care and nutrition for young children.
- Benefits: Enjoy off-street parking, a pension scheme, team-building events, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating a safe and fun atmosphere for kids.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and well-being through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and knowledge of dietary requirements for young children.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Purpose of post: To organise, cook and prepare a healthy balanced diet for children from birth to 5 years.
Working hours: 28 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 4 afternoons and 1 full day, overtime to help with holiday and sick leave.
Key areas:
- Provision of food
- Hygiene, health and safety
Responsible to: Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager
Main duties:
- To be the budget holder for the provision of food and associated goods for the nursery.
- To be responsible for the purchase of such provisions.
- To keep weekly accounts of such expenditure.
- To be responsible in conjunction with the Manager for planning healthy and balanced menus.
- To prepare meals according to individual dietary requirements where necessary.
- To ensure meals/snacks are safely prepared, nutritionally balanced, of good quality and appropriate in quantity following recommendations in Welsh Government Food and Health Guidelines for Early Years and Child Care Settings (2025); Setting the Table: National Guidance and Food Standards for Early Years Childcare Providers in Scotland.
- Be clear about the regulation relating to allergies and provide adequate information to parents about the contents of meals provided.
- To co-ordinate the serving of the mid-day meal and snacks throughout the day.
- To wash-up crockery, cutlery and all equipment used to prepare meals.
- To be responsible for hygiene and risk assessment within the kitchen area, including all record keeping relevant to the post.
- To be responsible for food safety within the nursery including all safety checks relating to food storage and preparation.
- To maintain an agreed high standard of hygiene and cleanliness within the kitchen area.
Benefits:
- Nursery Staff off street parking
- Great bus route
- Pension Scheme
- Staff night out and team building
- Working as part of a team
Chef employer: Sunshine Day Nursery (York) Ltd
Join our nurturing team as a Chef, where you will play a vital role in providing healthy, balanced meals for children aged birth to 5 years. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and growth, with benefits including off-street parking, a pension scheme, and opportunities for team-building activities. Located conveniently with great transport links, we prioritise your professional development while ensuring a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
Contact Details:
Sunshine Day Nursery (York) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with other chefs, join local culinary groups, or even hit up social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish and share it on your social media or bring samples to interviews. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the nursery! Get to know their menu style and dietary focus. When you apply through our website, tailor your approach to show how you can contribute to their mission of providing healthy meals for kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and ready to be part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking for children! Share any experiences you've had in preparing healthy meals and how you ensure they’re both tasty and nutritious.
Highlight Your Hygiene Knowledge:Make sure to mention your understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations. We want to see that you take cleanliness seriously and can maintain high standards in the kitchen.
Tailor Your Menu Planning Skills:Talk about your experience with menu planning, especially for young children. We’re looking for someone who can create balanced meals that cater to various dietary needs, so be specific about your approach!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual tone, remember to keep your application professional. Show us your personality, but also demonstrate that you understand the importance of the role and the responsibilities it entails.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunshine Day Nursery (York) Ltd
✨Know Your Nutrition
Brush up on the nutritional guidelines relevant to early years childcare. Be ready to discuss how you would plan balanced menus and cater to individual dietary needs. This shows your commitment to providing healthy meals for children.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and hygiene practices. During the interview, highlight your experience in maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your ability to uphold high standards in a nursery setting.
✨Budgeting Skills Matter
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing budgets for food provisions. Share specific examples of how you've successfully tracked expenses and made cost-effective decisions while ensuring quality meals.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss any previous experiences where collaboration was key, especially in a kitchen environment. This will show that you can contribute positively to the nursery's team dynamic.
