Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK nursery group is seeking a passionate Chef to join their kitchen team in East Hagbourne. In this role, you will prepare healthy meals that cater to children's dietary needs while ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with a food hygiene certification and experience in a catering environment. The nursery offers a supportive atmosphere with competitive benefits such as a salary, professional development, and employee wellbeing resources.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development and career progression

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus

Menopause support through Peppy

Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) is required.
• Previous experience in a catering environment or kitchen operations is necessary.
• Ability to understand and cater to the unique needs of each child.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Skills

Empathy and understanding – each child is unique

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Our beautiful nursery is located a 5 minute walk from Didcot train station and bus stops. Free lunch and snacks provided and uniform provided. Option to take on additional roles within the centre and will receive pay enhancements accordingly.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 25% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Ideal Candidate

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.

If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and maybe you have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe apply now!