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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for children and manage the kitchen.
- Company: Ofsted Outstanding nursery dedicated to children's health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Up to £33,000 salary, discounted childcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule with training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy eating.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef in a nursery and knowledge of nutrition essential.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Our client is an Ofsted Outstanding nursery with a genuine commitment to the health and wellbeing of every child in their care, and that commitment extends right into the kitchen. This is a setting that understands the role nutrition plays in children’s development, and they are looking for a passionate and experienced Nursery Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen and help make mealtimes something children and families can feel confident about. Monday to Friday, no weekends and the satisfaction of knowing the food you prepare genuinely makes a difference to the children you’re cooking for.
Responsibilities
- Planning and preparing fresh, nutritious, and age-appropriate meals for children across the nursery
- Taking full ownership of the kitchen, including supplier relationships, stock management, and ordering
- Maintaining a safe, hygienic kitchen environment in line with food safety legislation
- Managing allergen information rigorously, ensuring every child with dietary requirements is kept safe
- Promoting healthy eating habits and contributing positively to children’s relationship with food
- Working collaboratively with the wider nursery team, supporting the setting’s overall ethos and standards
- Maintaining accurate records in line with food hygiene and nursery requirements
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a chef within a nursery or similar early years setting – essential
- A strong understanding of nutrition, allergen management, and food safety – Essential
- Food hygiene qualification – Level 2 minimum; Level 3 preferred
- Organised, reliable, and comfortable taking ownership of the kitchen independently
- A genuine interest in children’s health and wellbeing through good nutrition
- A positive team player who fits naturally into a nursery environment
Job Details and Benefits
- Up to £33,000 per annum
- Full-Time – Monday to Friday only
- Discounted childcare
- Competitive annual leave
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Life insurance
- Training & development opportunities
- Refreshments provided
- Benefits & rewards portal
- Ofsted Outstanding setting
Nursery Chef employer: Willing care
Contact Detail:
Willing care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. We want to see how you can fit into their commitment to children's health and wellbeing, so do a bit of homework on their approach to nutrition and mealtimes.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for cooking and nutrition! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your ideas on healthy meal planning and how you can make mealtimes enjoyable for the kids. We love seeing enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience with allergen management and food safety. We know these are crucial in a nursery setting, so come prepared with examples of how you've handled dietary requirements in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream Nursery Chef role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutrition: When writing your application, let your love for healthy cooking and children's nutrition shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight why you care about what goes on the plates of little ones.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles as a chef, especially in nursery or early years settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back!
Be Organised and Clear: Keep your application neat and structured. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application reflects your ability to manage the kitchen effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willing care
✨Know Your Nutrition
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and how it impacts children's development. Be ready to discuss age-appropriate meals and how you can promote healthy eating habits in the nursery.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your previous roles, especially any experience in a nursery or early years setting. Highlight how you've managed allergen information and maintained food safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Ownership
Since the role requires taking full ownership of the kitchen, think about how you can convey your organisational skills. Discuss how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and stock management in past positions.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. Share instances where you've supported a team or contributed positively to a workplace culture, especially in a nursery environment.