Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Sefton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking a passionate Chef to join their team. In this role, you will prepare nutritious meals that cater to children's dietary needs and manage kitchen operations. Ideal candidates will hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, have experience in catering, and possess a strong empathy for children's unique requirements. This position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and great benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Passion for cooking and nutrition.
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding towards children.

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

Catering experience

Food hygiene

Team collaboration

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Job description

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 Southport, rated "Good" by Ofsted, accommodates up to 90 children in a bright and airy setting designed to meet each child's unique developmental needs. Our stimulating environment offers a variety of activities and experiences tailored to different age groups, immersing your child in fun and learning from the moment they arrive. We prioritize outdoor play and have a spacious garden area filled with diverse activities and equipment, encouraging exploration and stimulating your child's mind and body every day.

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 to help your money go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases how 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.

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 have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe, apply now!