Chef

Busy Bees; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in High Wycombe is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare healthy meals for young children. The ideal candidate will hold a Food Hygiene Certificate and have experience in kitchen operations, demonstrating empathy for children's unique dietary needs. Responsibilities include managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety, and maintaining inventory. This exciting opportunity involves working in a nurturing environment, contributing to children's growth while enjoying generous benefits including up to 28 days of holiday and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

25% childcare discount

Menopause support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate required, ideally Level 2 or above.
• Previous experience in catering or kitchen management is essential.
• Must demonstrate empathy and understanding of children's needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with bodies during inspections.
• Efficiently manage kitchen inventory and purchasing.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding

Job description

Role 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. 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 High Wycombe, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 91 children and ensures that there’s never a boring day—only days filled with fun, learning, and excitement! Our nursery is set in the beautiful grounds of The Rye, providing a picturesque environment for children to explore and grow. We offer free parking for staff, making it convenient for educators to access our vibrant and engaging facility, where every day is an opportunity for adventure and discovery.

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.

Role 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 apply now!