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: Negotiable salary, holiday pay, pension options, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding role in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Combine your love for cooking with making a positive impact on young lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Early Years or Food Handling preferred; training provided.
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; or Montessori Diploma; or 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.
Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping employer: The Village Montessori Nursery
Join our nurturing team as a Nursery Practitioner/Cook, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. With flexible hours, competitive pay above the National Minimum Wage, and opportunities to engage with children while preparing nutritious meals, this role offers a fulfilling experience in a vibrant nursery environment. Located in a community-focused area, we prioritise the well-being of both our staff and the children we care for, making it an excellent place for those passionate about early years education and healthy living.
Contact Details:
The Village Montessori Nursery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know about openings in nurseries. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer or do some shadowing at local nurseries. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers your commitment to working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of healthy eating and child development. We want to see your passion for cooking and caring for kids shine through during the chat.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner/Cook in Epping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking and Kids:Let us know why you love cooking and working with young children! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your skills in both areas. This will help us see how you fit into our nursery environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your qualifications, like your Level 2 Certificate or any relevant experience, so we can easily see why you're a great fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the ideal Nursery Practitioner/Cook. Remember, we want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Village Montessori Nursery
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of early years education and healthy eating. Familiarise yourself with the qualifications mentioned in the job description, like the Level 2 Certificate in Early Years & Childcare or Food Handling & Hygiene. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Cooking Skills
Since cooking is a big part of this job, be prepared to talk about your experience in the kitchen. Bring examples of nutritious meals you've prepared, and if possible, share any menus you've created that cater to dietary requirements. This will demonstrate your ability to plan and execute meals for children.
✨Demonstrate Your Patience and Communication Skills
Working with young children requires a lot of patience and excellent communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenging situations with kids. Be ready to discuss how you engage with them and create a positive learning environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to healthy eating or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.