At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare healthy, home-cooked meals for children and manage kitchen supplies.
- Company: Join Tommies Childcare, a leader in early years experiences since 1998.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, childcare discounts, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through nutritious food and nurturing care.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking, kitchen experience, and knowledge of food hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are Tommies Childcare. Since 1998, we have provided exciting and memorable early years experiences for children aged 0–5 years. When you work at Tommies, you’ll be doing one of the most important jobs in the world: nurturing, protecting and helping children grow into well-balanced, happy and self-assured adults.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Nursery Cook to join our team at our Flutterbies Day Nursery in Coventry. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a childcare environment and wants to make a real difference by supporting children’s health and development through healthy, home‑cooked food.
Your Role as a Nursery Cook:
- Planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks in line with dietary guidelines and children’s individual needs
- Managing kitchen supplies, ordering food, and maintaining stock levels
- Ensuring high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen at all times
- Catering for children with allergies or specific dietary requirements
- Maintaining food safety records and adhering to food hygiene regulations
- Working closely with nursery staff to support meal routines and food education
- Helping create a warm, welcoming kitchen atmosphere that supports a nurturing environment for children
- Able to confidently lead EHO inspections
As the Nursery Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking fresh, healthy, and age‑appropriate meals and snacks for the children in our care. You’ll ensure the kitchen operates smoothly, safely, and in line with all food hygiene and health & safety regulations. This is a key role within the nursery, supporting children’s overall development and well‑being through nutritious food.
Experience:
- A passion for cooking and a desire to support children’s well‑being through nutrition
- Experience in a kitchen or catering
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safety procedures
- Ability to plan menus and prepare meals in line with children’s nutritional needs
- A calm, organised, and reliable approach to kitchen work
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- A flexible and positive attitude
An Extraordinary Place to Work, with Extraordinary Benefits:
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing up to 25 days through length of service)
- Earn up to 4 days of additional annual leave per year through good attendance
- 30% childcare discount (increasing to 40% for Deputy Managers, and 50% for Nursery Managers)
- 10% friends & family childcare discount
- 8 hours per year to attend appointments or events that support your wellbeing
- 6 weeks full maternity pay (increasing to 6 weeks full maternity pay + 6 weeks half maternity pay for Deputy Managers and Nursery Managers)
- Special rewards for Good and Outstanding Ofsted gradings
- £250.00 employee referral scheme
- An annual awards ceremony
- Plenty of training and development opportunities
- Bereavement Leave
- Company Pension Scheme
- Sick Pay after length of service
Tommies is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care. In line with safer recruitment requirements, any successful candidate will be required to undergo Safer recruitment checks, to include Enhanced DBS check and Suitable reference checks.
Nursery Cook in Coventry employer: Tommies Childcare
At Tommies Childcare, we pride ourselves on being an extraordinary employer that values the vital role our Nursery Cook plays in nurturing children's health and development through nutritious meals. Located in Coventry, our supportive work culture fosters teamwork and personal growth, offering exceptional benefits such as generous annual leave, childcare discounts, and ongoing training opportunities, making it a rewarding place to build your career while making a meaningful impact on young lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook in Coventry
✨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 Tommies Childcare. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tommies Childcare
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tommies Childcare 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 Coventry
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 Tommies Childcare 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 Tommies Childcare
✨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!
