Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Colton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Chef to join their team. In this role, you will prepare healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This position provides an opportunity to work in a nurturing environment while gaining valuable experience within the early years sector. Ideal candidates should possess a Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering or kitchen operations.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

25% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Must have a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or similar kitchen operations is necessary.
• Show empathy and understanding towards children's unique needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet children's dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and cooperate 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

About Busy Bees

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.

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 partnership with BBC Children in Need gives you fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

At Busy Bees Leeds, Colton Mill, rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted, we provide a vibrant and engaging environment where every child can learn and thrive through a diverse range of exciting activities and fantastic learning resources.

Our bright, welcoming rooms are designed to spark creativity and laughter, offering endless opportunities for children to explore their imagination. The fun continues outdoors in our spacious, enclosed garden, where children can enjoy fresh air and learn to take safe risks under the careful supervision of our dedicated staff.

Conveniently located just off the M1 at Junction 46, our nursery is situated on Stile Hill Way, making it easily accessible with Leeds City Centre just a 20‑minute drive away. For families using public transport, there is a bus stop nearby on Stile Hill Way, served by bus routes 19, 19A, and 22. Free parking is also available for added convenience.

Benefits

Busy Bees Benefits include:

• 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)

Additionally, you'll enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering a huge array of retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area shares exciting development opportunities and training designed to help you thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Job Summary

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.

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 may have experience as a chef, assistant chef, cook, or have managed a café, apply now!