At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and prepare nutritious meals for children in a fun, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a growing nursery focused on learning through play.
- Benefits: Up to £32,000 salary, daytime hours, pension scheme, and increasing annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a stable kitchen environment with no late-night shifts.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's health and well-being every day.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef in childcare settings and knowledge of child nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Our client has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Chef to join their growing early years setting – They provide care for children aged 3 months to pre-school. The nursery offers a home-from-home environment with a clear focus on learning through play.
We’re looking for an experienced chef who has experience working in childcare or education settings, and who can manage nutrition, allergens, and meal planning independently.
Before You Apply: This role requires recent experience as a Chef, ideally within a nursery or school setting. You must have a strong working knowledge of nutrition and food allergies. This position is not suitable for candidates without relevant kitchen experience at this level.
Key Job Details:
- Salary: Up to £32,000 per year
- Hours: Full-time (weekday daytime hours)
- Contract: Permanent
- Setting: Nursery / Early Years
- Environment: Catering for children aged 3 months to pre-school
Why This Role Is Worth Considering:
- Daytime working hours with no evening or late-night shifts
- Stable, routine-based kitchen environment
- Clear responsibility for menu planning and kitchen management
- Pension scheme included
- Annual leave increases with length of service
- DBS check provided at no cost
What You’ll Need:
- Experience working as a Chef in a nursery, school, or similar setting
- Strong understanding of child nutrition and food allergens
- Ability to manage a kitchen independently
- Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
- Relevant food hygiene certification
What You’ll Do:
- Plan and prepare balanced meals for children across different age groups
- Manage dietary requirements, allergies, and nutritional standards
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all times
- Order and manage kitchen stock and supplies
- Work independently to organise daily kitchen operations
- Liaise with nursery staff regarding children’s dietary needs
Safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Chef employer: Willingcare
Contact Detail:
Willingcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare and culinary fields. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Nursery Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a sample menu or even a dish that showcases your understanding of child nutrition and allergens. Bring it along to interviews to really impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience! Prepare some stories about how you've managed kitchen operations or dealt with dietary requirements in the past. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨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 Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Chef, especially in nursery or school settings. We want to see how you've managed nutrition and allergens, so don’t hold back on those details!
Nail the Nutrition Knowledge: Since this role is all about child nutrition, be sure to mention your understanding of dietary needs and food allergies. We’re looking for someone who can manage these aspects independently, so let us know how you’ve done this before.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Share your passion for cooking for children and how you create a nurturing environment through your meals.
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 get you into our system quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willingcare
✨Know Your Nutrition
Brush up on your knowledge of child nutrition and food allergies. Be ready to discuss how you would plan meals that cater to various dietary needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles in nursery or school settings. Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen independently and any challenges you've overcome related to meal planning.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene and safety standards relevant to working with children. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations.
✨Engage with the Nursery Environment
Research the nursery's approach to learning through play and how your role as a chef fits into that. Show enthusiasm for creating a positive dining experience that supports children's development.