Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Liversedge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a Chef to prepare healthy meals for young children. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates will have a Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering. Join a nurturing environment dedicated to children's growth and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development and career progression

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• 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 Certificate

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding of children's needs

Job description

Chef

Date Posted: 2025-11-17

Location: West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Humberside, UK, BD19 3SD

Application Deadline: 2026-02-15

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 Nursery in Harrogate, South Drive is an Ofsted-rated "Good" facility with a capacity of 52 children. It provides an ideal environment for children to learn, develop, and grow. Conveniently located just off the A61, it is a short drive from Harrogate city centre. For those using public transport, the nursery is an 11‑minute walk from Hornbeam Park train station and only a 14‑minute walk from Harrogate Station, making it easily accessible for commuting families.

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 a huge array 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.

Required Qualifications

Ideal Candidate:

• 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, an Assistant Chef, a Cook, or managed a cafe, apply now!