At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children, fostering their love for food and cooking.
- Company: Join a caring nursery community dedicated to nurturing little humans.
- Benefits: Enjoy free childcare, 31 days holiday, and discounts on everyday essentials.
- Other info: Bright, purpose-built nursery with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through delicious, healthy meals.
- Qualifications: Food hygiene certificate and experience in cooking from scratch required.
The predicted salary is between 13.2 - 13.2 £ per hour.
Join Our Team as a Nursery Cook and bring care to the kitchen and good food to growing humans. At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing - little humans and big humans alike. As a Nursery Cook at Royston, you’ll prepare nutritious meals that give children the energy to play, learn, and discover. You’ll be part of a caring nursery community where your skills are valued and the thought you put into every meal makes a difference.
Why Join Our Team?
- Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.
- Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.
- Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.
- Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.
- Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services.
- Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.
Pay: £27,456 - £27,456 £13.20 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday working 9:00-5:30
Location: Sunhill Montessori Nursery, Grantham Close, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 5WY
Where You’ll Be Working: Sunhill Day Nursery Royston is a bright, purpose-built, premium nursery offering three distinct learning enhancements for our children: Montessori, organic growing and food and child-friendly cooking classes. These important learning experiences help set our Royston nursery apart from others by equipping children with a deep understanding of the environment, sustainable living, and the exciting process of cooking with their own organic produce. Our nursery is made up of 4 rooms - our baby room, toddler room, 2-3 year olds and pre-school. Free onsite parking is accessible from the A10 and A505. If you don't drive, we are within walking distance of the train station (train lines running from Cambridge to London).
What You’ll Be Doing: You’ll take care of the nursery’s day-to-day cooking, preparing meals from scratch and helping children enjoy a varied, nutritious diet. From planning menus to preparing lunch and introducing children to baking, you’ll bring organisation, creativity, and close attention to each child’s dietary needs. Your role will include:
- Preparing and serving delicious, nutritious meals and snacks suited to children’s ages and stages.
- Planning menus and managing food orders within budget.
- Catering carefully for allergies and dietary requirements, working closely with nursery colleagues to keep information clear and accurate.
- Preparing food safely, including adapting textures and sizes to children’s needs.
- Helping children explore ingredients and discover the enjoyment of baking through supported activities.
- Keeping the kitchen, equipment, and food storage areas clean, organised, and hygienic.
- Following food safety procedures and maintaining the required kitchen records.
Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. In the kitchen, that means taking responsibility for safe, thoughtful food preparation, listening to others, and working together to make mealtimes a positive part of every child’s day.
What We’re Looking For: You must hold a valid food hygiene certificate and have strong knowledge of food allergens and dietary requirements. Previous experience in cooking from scratch, baking, and menu preparation is essential. You’ll also bring:
- Pride in preparing nutritious food that children enjoy.
- Care and attention when catering for individual dietary needs.
- Good organisation and time management to keep meals running to schedule.
- Confidence managing food orders, ingredients, and budgets.
- A friendly, collaborative approach and a willingness to share ideas.
- High standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and kitchen safety.
We’re looking for someone who understands that every meal is an opportunity to help children feel cared for, included, and ready for their next discovery. Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.
Nursery Cook in Royston employer: The Old Station Nursery
At The Old Station Nursery Peckham, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our team. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including free childcare for the first month, 31 days of holiday, and access to extensive career development resources, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of Peckham, our nursery offers a vibrant community atmosphere where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, making it a rewarding place to inspire young minds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook in Royston
✨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 The Old Station Nursery. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Old Station Nursery
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Old Station Nursery 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 Nursery Cook in Royston
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 The Old Station Nursery 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 The Old Station Nursery
✨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!
