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- Tasks: Prepare healthy meals for children, ensuring nutritional balance and food safety.
- Company: Join Co-op Little Pioneers, a nursery focused on fun and child-centric values.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, discounts, wellness resources, and up to 3 days of paid volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's wellbeing while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Food Hygiene Level 2 or willingness to learn, experience in catering, and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: No two days are the same; embrace variety and creativity in your role!
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About the role:
Feeding our children healthy, nutritionally balanced food is key to the wellbeing of our little ones. From nourished tummies to nurtured minds, we work hard to encourage health and wellbeing right from the start. If you’re looking for a role where you can say high five to food that’s wholesome and fit for a king, queen, dragon, astronaut, fairy, or superhero, we’d love to hear from you.
Your Co-op Little Pioneers is run with a different ethos to other nurseries. Our child-centric approach puts a premium on fun, which ultimately is intended to nurture a kinder and more considerate generation. Your core skills will help us on our mission to ensure our colleagues, families, and children all rate us as outstanding.
Disclaimer – No two children are the same. Neither will your days be.
Who are we looking for?
- Have an enhanced DBS check or pass one with flying colours
- Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent or be willing to do the course in the first week of work or have a certified equivalent
- Have a sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and COSHH requirements
- Experience in catering for large numbers
- Have great budget knowledge and manage the budget to ensure cost efficiencies
- Have sound knowledge of how to manage dietary requirements
- Have a great understanding and experience of working with Environmental Health
- Great organisational and time management skills
- Excellent listening and communication skills
What can we offer you?
Our roles come with a fantastic set of benefits which really make a difference for you:
- Career Growth – Progression opportunities within the nursery as well as opportunities society-wide. Little Pioneers’ unique values mean anyone can develop into various roles including a nursery manager or further – all you need are dreams and aspirations.
- Learning and Development – We give you the support you need to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through one-to-one supervisions, personal development plans, access to learning resources and activities, as well as joining one of our award-winning LEAP Apprenticeship programmes.
- Discounts and perks – Receive up to 20% off food shopping, £500 off holidays, and a phenomenal 60% off your childcare fees, which could add up to a £7,000 saving a year!
- Wellbeing – We are committed to supporting your wellbeing and have a variety of wellness resources and tools available to you, such as our financial and mental wellbeing apps.
- Doing Good Together – Not only this, but we also give you up to 3 days to volunteer within working hours!
Our child-centric approach puts a premium on fun, which ultimately is intended to nurture a kinder and more considerate generation. Your core skills in education and development will help us on our mission to ensure our colleagues, families, and children all rate us as outstanding.
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Cook employer: The Midcounties Co-operative
Contact Detail:
The Midcounties Co-operative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of Co-op Little Pioneers. Understanding their child-centric approach and commitment to fun will help you align your passion for cooking with their mission, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in catering for large groups, especially in a childcare setting. Being able to demonstrate your ability to manage dietary requirements and food safety will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational and time management skills during any interactions. Being able to efficiently manage meal prep and service in a busy environment is crucial, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the community around Co-op Little Pioneers. Whether it's through social media or local events, showing that you're invested in the wellbeing of children and families can demonstrate your commitment to their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in catering, food safety, and working with children.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your skills and experiences that align with the role of a Cook. Emphasise your knowledge of food hygiene, dietary requirements, and any experience you have in managing budgets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for healthy cooking and child wellbeing. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to similar environments in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications such as Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent. If you are willing to take the course, express this in your application to show your commitment to food safety.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Midcounties Co-operative
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for preparing healthy, nutritious meals for children. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to promoting wellbeing through food.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Dietary Requirements
Be prepared to discuss how you manage dietary needs and allergies. Highlight any relevant experience you have in catering for diverse dietary requirements, as this is crucial in a nursery setting.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves catering for large numbers, showcase your organisational and time management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed meal prep and service in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Food Safety
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and COSHH requirements. Be ready to answer questions about how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards in the kitchen.
