At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and engage with children aged 2.5 to 5 years daily.
- Company: A nurturing nursery focused on healthy eating and child development.
- Benefits: Above NMW salary, holiday pay, pension options, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding role in a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Combine your love for cooking with making a positive impact on young lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Early Years or equivalent preferred; food handling knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Days: Monday to Thursday – for 40/41 weeks per annum. The nursery timetable tends to follow most state school holidays.
Hours: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (can be flexible – core hours 9:00 am to 1:30 pm)
Salary: Negotiable, but will be above NMW; holiday pay, pension benefit (if successful applicant opts in)
Qualifications: Any of the following would be preferable: A valid Level 2 Certificate or above in Early Years & Childcare; Montessori Diploma; Qualified Teacher Status. A current Level 2 or higher Certificate in Food Handling & Hygiene preferable, but training can be provided. "Safeguarding Children" training and Paediatric First Aid will also be required if successful applicant does not hold a current certificate for each.
Experience: Experience of working with young children in a nursery or teaching environment preferable. An understanding of healthy eating and experience of preparing and cooking nutritious meals preferable.
Details: Preparation of snack with the children each day and preparation/cooking of lunch from scratch daily for group (possibly up to 18 children when the nursery is full). Successful applicant will also have the opportunity to work with young children (aged from 2½ - 5 years) during each session. Please note that the successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check. Proprietor will organise this if the applicant does not have an ongoing DBS certificate.
This is a rewarding position for someone who both enjoys cooking and working with young children. Our successful applicant will need to be:
- skilled in time management;
- organised;
- patient with children;
- confident;
- act as a positive role model;
- able to create nutritious meals and prepare menus, taking all dietary requirements into consideration;
- able to plan food requirements for the week ahead;
- enjoy cooking and be knowledgeable about healthy eating, food intolerances and allergies;
- a good team worker;
- a good communicator;
- able to assist with ad hoc duties as and when required;
- eligible to work in the UK;
- non-smoker preferred.
Locations
Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping, Essex employer: The Village Montessori Nursery
Join our nurturing nursery environment where we prioritise the well-being and development of both children and staff. We offer a flexible working schedule, competitive salary above the National Minimum Wage, and opportunities for professional growth through training in food handling and childcare. Our supportive work culture encourages creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early years education and healthy cooking.
Contact Details:
The Village Montessori Nursery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might know someone in the nursery sector. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience cooking or working with children, consider bringing a portfolio or even a sample menu to your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your approach to healthy eating and meal prep. The nursery is looking for someone who understands nutrition, so come prepared with ideas on how you’d create balanced meals for the kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight any relevant qualifications you have, like your Level 2 Certificate in Early Years & Childcare or Food Handling & Hygiene. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Share Your Experience:If you've worked with young children before, let us know! Share specific examples of your experience in a nursery or teaching environment. We love hearing about your hands-on experience and how you’ve made a difference.
Get Personal with Your Cooking Skills:Since cooking is a big part of this role, tell us about your passion for preparing nutritious meals. Share any creative ideas you have for menus or how you cater to dietary needs. We’re all about healthy eating!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Village Montessori Nursery
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your qualifications and experience related to early years and childcare. Be ready to discuss your Level 2 Certificate or any relevant diplomas, as well as your understanding of healthy eating and food preparation. This will show that you're not just a good cook but also knowledgeable about the needs of young children.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your love for working with children shine through. Share stories or experiences that highlight your patience and ability to connect with kids. Employers want to see that you genuinely enjoy this rewarding role, so don’t hold back!
✨Be Organised
Since time management is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you plan meals and manage your time effectively. You might even want to bring a sample menu or a weekly plan to demonstrate your organisational skills. This will give them confidence in your ability to handle the nursery's cooking and snack preparation.
✨Ask Questions
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them! Inquire about their approach to nutrition, how they support staff development, or what a typical day looks like. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the position, plus it helps you determine if the nursery is the right fit for you.
