Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Teddington; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in the UK is seeking a Chef to join our Busy Bees team. You will prepare healthy meals that support children's growth, lead kitchen operations, and ensure high standards of hygiene in a nurturing environment.

The role focuses on meeting dietary needs, collaborating with staff during inspections, and contributing to the wellbeing of children within our nurseries. A supportive team and opportunities for development are on offer.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Skills

Catering experience

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

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 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 Twickenham Teddington, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 77 children in a boutique nursery located in a large, converted home within a residential area of Teddington. Our nursery is thoughtfully separated into four spacious rooms catering to babies, 1-2-year-olds, toddlers, and preschoolers. Just an 8-minute stroll from Teddington High Street, many of our parents live nearby and walk to the nursery, but we are also well‑positioned for those using public transport, with multiple bus routes serving Teddington High Street and Teddington Train Station only a 7‑minute walk away, offering South Central services into London Waterloo. We pride ourselves on providing top‑quality childcare, featuring nutritious meals with a 5‑star rating from the EHO and a recently refurbished garden that includes a large outdoor space and a separate safe area for babies. Our cozy baby room is equipped with an attached sleep room, and we have a total of four childcare rooms across two floors. Our long‑standing staff members bring up to 15 years of experience, ensuring quality care and support for every child. Additionally, we offer extracurricular activities such as sports and dance, and we regularly welcome visits from the police and fire department, as well as a pottery club that joins us for annual celebrations.

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.

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