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- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and promote healthy eating habits for young children.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, exclusive discounts, generous holiday allowance, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a cook, understanding of nutrition, and a passion for child-friendly meals.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and co-ownership in a fun, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 30240 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: ÂŁ12.21 per hour
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
About Tops Day Nurseries
Founded in 1990, Tops Day Nurseries is the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children.
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
- We value people and offer co‑ownership, a voice in decision‑making, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.
- Our benefits include:
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card and Other platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & more)
- Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- Generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
- Access to nearby university parking (subject to cost and restrictions)
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals and create healthy eating habits for young children at Tops Exeter Nursery, a 104‑place day nursery & pre‑school. The cook will produce high‑standard meals and food following the company ethos, seasonal availability, financial budgets, and sustainable purchasing principles. You will work within a team, understand others’ needs, implement recipes, allergens and label procedures, and assist in achieving food budgets.
Responsibilities
- Work within a team and understand other people’s needs
- Apply cookery knowledge and experience
- Follow all Tops systems, including recipes, allergens, and label procedures
- Maintain relevant Health & Hygiene qualifications
- Stay up to date with food trends and new methods
- Assist in achieving food budgets
- Ensure the kitchen meets the required 5* environmental health certificate
- Monitor stock levels and stock rotation
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a cook, preferably in a nursery, school, or similar setting
- Good understanding of nutrition and dietary needs for young children
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills to ensure meals are prepared and served on time
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher)
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, including allergy management
- Passion for preparing healthy, child‑friendly meals
Important Safeguarding Information
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles and not on the Children’s Barred List
- Successfully complete background and reference checks
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Nursery Cook in Exeter employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Cook in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with people in the industry, attend local events, or join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Tops Day Nurseries.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish and share it on social media or during an informal meet-up. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to Tops Day Nurseries and express your interest. A friendly email or call can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show how your passion for healthy cooking aligns with Tops' mission to provide outstanding childcare and nutrition.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Cook in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you have in preparing meals, especially for children, and how you ensure they’re nutritious and tasty.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had as a cook, particularly in nurseries or schools. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of providing healthy meals for young children.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read about your skills and qualifications. We appreciate clarity!
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 role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs for young children. Be ready to discuss how you can create healthy, child-friendly meals that align with the nursery's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your previous cooking roles, especially in nursery or school settings. Highlight any experience you have with managing food budgets and adhering to health and hygiene standards.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Tops Day Nurseries' values and mission. Be prepared to explain why you want to work there and how you can contribute to their reputation as one of the UK's happiest workplaces.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the nursery. Inquire about their approach to seasonal menus, how they handle allergies, or what opportunities there are for professional development.
