Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Croydon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Hive discounts

Up to 28 days holiday

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Family leave and return bonus

Peppy menopause support

Salary Finance

Job summary

Busy Bees Croydon is seeking a Chef to join our kitchen team, preparing healthy, age-appropriate meals that support children's growth and development. You will contribute to wellbeing in a nurturing setting within the early years sector.

You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, ensure food safety and hygiene, manage inventory and purchasing, and collaborate with staff during inspections. A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) and catering experience are preferred.

Qualifications

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

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

Cooking

Nutrition

Food Safety

Team Leadership

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

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

Busy Bees Croydon, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 112 children in a purpose-built center design for accessibility and comfort. Our long-standing team provides quality care, with each age group having direct access to their own gardens, all on one floor for easy movement. We host professional photography and ceramic sessions twice a year, enriching the children's experience. Conveniently located behind Purley Five Ways, our nursery sits at the edge of Duppas Hill Park in South Croydon, within walking distance of Waddon train station (0.6 miles) with a quick 35-minute train journey into London. Additionally, there is a direct route into Sutton and Morden, and multiple bus routes are within walking distance of the nursery. We also offer free parking for staff, ensuring hassle‑free access for families.

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 huge 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.