Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a Chef to join their team. In this role, you will prepare healthy meals for children, ensuring dietary needs are met while managing kitchen operations. Ideal candidates will have a Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering. Additionally, you'll work in a supportive environment that emphasizes professional growth and employee well-being with various benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate is mandatory.
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations required.
• Empathy and understanding for children's individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals catering to dietary needs.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance in kitchen operations.
• Manage kitchen staff and oversee inspections.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety compliance

Team collaboration

Empathy

Passion for nutrition

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Job description

Overview

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.

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

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Perivale, rated Good by Ofsted, has a capacity of 76 children and has been part of the community since 1993. Our nursery provides a secure, fun, and stimulating environment where children can develop and flourish. Our dedicated team takes pride in the quality care we offer to every child. Conveniently located within a five-minute walk from Perivale Tube station (Central Line), we provide complimentary lunches and free parking for our families. We offer a safe outdoor space where children can explore, stay active, and learn to take safe risks under supervision.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across 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
• Manopause 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)
• Access to the Hive Benefits and Wellbeing platform with additional discounts and resources
• A Grow with Us area with development opportunities and training

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.
• Passion for food and nutrition; experience as Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or cafe management is a plus.