Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent childcare nursery group in Biggleswade is seeking a Chef to prepare healthy meals, oversee kitchen operations, and ensure food safety compliance. Candidates should have a Food Hygiene Certificate and relevant catering experience. This role provides flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Starting as a Chef requires a Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience in catering or a kitchen is essential.
• Empathy for children's needs is crucial.

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 manage purchasing efficiently.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding

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 (Biggleswade)

Busy Bees in Biggleswade is an Ofsted‑rated Good nursery with a capacity of 112 children. Our dedicated staff, some of whom have been with us for over 12 years, prioritize the best interests of all children and their families. We maintain strong links with the local community, collaborating to provide the highest quality care and education. Conveniently located just a 15‑20 minute walk from the town centre and close to bus stops and train stations, our nursery is easily accessible. We offer free parking and are near a local gym, swimming pool, and various shops, enhancing our community engagement.

Working Arrangements

Flexible working options are available, including a four‑day working pattern and part‑time as well as full‑time contracts.

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 showcases 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!