At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and engage with children aged 2½ 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: Join a supportive team and enjoy a rewarding career in childcare.
- Why this job: Combine your love for cooking with making a positive impact on young lives.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Childcare or equivalent preferred.
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 Essex 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 friendly environment that follows school holidays. We prioritise employee well-being and development, making it an excellent 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 Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know someone in the nursery sector. A personal recommendation can really give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience cooking or working with children, think about bringing a portfolio or even some photos of your past work to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about healthy eating! Since this role involves preparing meals, brush up on nutrition and be prepared to discuss how you can create balanced meals for kids. It shows you’re serious about the role.
✨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 Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking and Kids:When you're writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and working with children shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen or with kids, as this will help us understand why you're a great fit for the Nursery Practitioner/Cook role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your qualifications, like your Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Childcare or Food Handling Hygiene, and any relevant experience you have. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
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 best candidate. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts and make it easier for us to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
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 childcare and healthy eating. Familiarise yourself with the qualifications mentioned in the job description, like the Level 2 Certificate or Montessori Diploma. 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. Think of examples where you've prepared nutritious meals or catered to dietary requirements. If you can, bring along a sample menu or recipe ideas to share during the interview!
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Working with Children
Share your experiences working with young children, whether in a nursery or teaching environment. Highlight specific moments that showcase your patience, creativity, and ability to engage with kids. This will help the interviewer see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions! Ask about the nursery's approach to healthy eating, how they involve children in meal prep, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
