Chef

Busy Bees; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Hive benefits & discounts

25% childcare discount

Holiday entitlement (28 days)

Job summary

Busy Bees Lewisham is seeking a Chef to join our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that help children grow and thrive. You’ll help deliver the Bee Curious curriculum through nutritious catering in a nurturing early years environment.

With a focus on child wellbeing, you’ll ensure food safety, manage kitchen operations, and collaborate with staff to provide high-quality meals. Join a supportive team committed to excellent childcare and professional development.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals meeting dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and assist during inspections with regulators.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and manage purchasing efficiently.

Skills

Catering experience

Empathy & understanding

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 Lewisham, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 66 children and is your trusted nursery and preschool in the heart of Lewisham. We take pride in providing exceptional childcare that allows children to unleash their full potential and enjoy the best possible start in life. Our passionate team goes the extra mile to ensure that every child receives the highest quality care and support. Whether your little one is taking their first steps or preparing for the next stage in their educational journey, you can have peace of mind knowing they are in expert hands. Conveniently located on Loampit Hill, our nursery offers a central and easily accessible position right in the heart of Lewisham. For commuting parents, our location is ideal, with excellent transportation links via car, bus, and train throughout the borough. Situated on the A20, we are just a quick 5-minute drive to the center of Lewisham, making drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze. For families who prefer public transportation, there is a bus stop right outside the nursery on Undercliff Road, serving routes 21, 136, and 321. Additionally, St Johns train station is merely a 5-minute stroll from our nursery, ensuring convenient commuting options. At Busy Bees Lewisham, we believe that learning should be fun and exciting. That’s why our nursery is filled with a wide range of engaging activities and learning resources tailored to meet the unique interests and needs of each child. From creative arts and crafts to imaginative play, there is never a dull moment at our nursery! We also provide complimentary lunches for our children, enhancing their overall experience.

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, a Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe