Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Hurley; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in Coventry Walsgrave is seeking a Chef to prepare healthy meals for children and lead our kitchen team. You will ensure nutritional meals, safe food handling, and compliance with childcare standards in an Outstanding nursery environment.

The role includes supervising kitchen staff, supporting inspections, and managing inventory and purchasing to sustain high-quality meals for young learners.

Qualifications

• Required qualifications include a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding that each child is unique.

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

Catering Experience

Teamwork

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Chef

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

Join our exceptional team at Busy Bees in Coventry Walsgrave, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding nursery with a capacity of 125 children, recognized for achieving a double Outstanding rating. Our longstanding staff is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with parents and providing the highest quality of care. Conveniently located on the hospital grounds, we benefit from excellent links to various bus routes, as well as easy access to the M6, M69, and A45. Staff enjoy free lunch and parking, making this an ideal opportunity to advance your career in a supportive and community-focused environment.

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)
• Plus access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub with resources for physical and mental health.
• A Celebrating You section showcasing recognition and rewards.
• Grow with Us area with development opportunities and training to support your growth 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.

Required Qualifications

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

If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and maybe you have experience as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or managed a cafe.