Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare nutritious meals for young children at their nursery in Hatching Green. As part of the kitchen team, you will ensure food safety and hygiene compliance while managing staff and inventory. The ideal candidate will have a Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering or kitchen operations. This role offers a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Financial support through Salary Finance

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate is essential.
• Past experience in catering or kitchen operations is a plus.
• Ability to show empathy and understanding towards children's unique needs.

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

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding

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

About Our Nursery

Join our experienced team at Busy Bees Harpenden Rothamsted Lodge, an Ofsted‑rated Good nursery with a capacity for 76 children. Our longstanding staff are dedicated to their professional development, with many working towards their Level 3 qualifications, and over 50% qualified as First Aid responders. Situated in a rural location, our nursery boasts large outdoor spaces for children to explore. We also benefit from convenient bus routes, a nearby train station, free parking and a complimentary lunch for our staff, creating a supportive and enjoyable working environment. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in early childhood education.

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)
• 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)

Additional Wellbeing Features

You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge arrays of retail discounts, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area shares 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 have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a café – apply now!