Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary – £13.85 per hour

Birthday off

Up to 28 days holiday – Including bank

Career progression & training

Menopause support & wellbeing

Discounts on retail brands

Cycle to Work scheme

Pension & financial perks

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (

25% childcare discount

Job summary

Busy Bees Nursery in Hailsham is opening a brand-new two-storey setting and seeks a talented chef to craft wholesome, nutritious meals for our young learners. You’ll help shape early years nutrition with fresh ingredients, big flavors, and a supportive team.

As Chef, you’ll oversee kitchen safety, create menus, manage ordering, and work with staff and inspectors. Required: Food Hygiene Certificate and catering experience; passion for balanced meals for children.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Passion for creating balanced, nutritious meals for young children.
• Empathy and understanding – Every child is unique.
• If you’ve worked as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or Café Manager, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, delicious meals that meet children’s dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food safety & hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff & collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Create exciting, nutritious menus that keep little tummies happy.
• Maintain kitchen inventory & ensure efficient purchasing.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate

Catering experience

Balanced meals for children

Empathy

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

Job description

Join the Buzz at Our BRAND-NEW Busy Bees Nursery in Hailsham – We Need a Star Chef!

We’re opening an exciting, two-storey Busy Bees nursery in Hailsham and we’re on the hunt for a talented chef to bring delicious, nutritious meals to life for our little learners! This is more than just a kitchen—it’s your chance to help shape the food culture in a brand-new nursery where fresh ingredients, big flavors, and happy children come together! If you love cooking wholesome, nutritious food, have a passion for early years nutrition, and want to be part of something exciting, we want to hear from you!

Your Chef Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary – £13.85 per hour
• Birthday off – Because chefs deserve to celebrate too!
• Up to 28 days holiday – Including bank holidays
• Career progression & training – Develop your skills and grow with us
• Menopause support & wellbeing resources – A workplace that supports YOU
• Discounts on retail brands – Save money with Hive’s exclusive perks
• Cycle to Work scheme – Because a healthy commute makes a happy chef!
• Pension & financial perks – Helping you plan for the future
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Prioritising your health
• 25% childcare discount – Supporting your family while you support others
• Plus, our Hive Benefits & Wellbeing platform includes:
  • Wellbeing Hub – Packed with resources for physical & mental health
  • Celebrating You – Recognising and rewarding our fantastic team
  • Grow with Us – Exciting training & development opportunities

Your Chef Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, delicious meals that meet children’s dietary needs
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food safety & hygiene compliance
• Manage kitchen staff & collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections
• Create exciting, nutritious menus that keep little tummies happy
• Maintain kitchen inventory & ensure efficient purchasing

Are You Our Perfect Chef?

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations
• Passion for creating balanced, nutritious meals for young children
• Empathy and understanding – Every child is unique
• If you’ve worked as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or Café Manager, we want to hear from you!

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and even more overseas! We’re all about giving every child the best start in life and ensuring our team feels valued, heard, and supported every step of the way! As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our Bee Curious curriculum, designed to nurture wonder, creativity, and confidence in young learners! Our Charitable Commitment – Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we fundraise, create community events, and help support children across the UK.