Chef

Busy Bees; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a Chef to join its team, responsible for preparing healthy meals and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a Food Hygiene Certificate, catering experience, and a caring attitude towards children. This position is vital in creating a nurturing environment that supports children's growth while offering competitive salary and professional development opportunities. Join us to make a difference in the lives of young children.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Discounts across a range of retailers

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) is essential.
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations required.
• Must have empathy and understanding for children's unique needs.

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 (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 Chiswick Larden Road, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 110 children and provides a nurturing environment where little ones can develop at their own pace. Our Montessori approach encourages self‑directed learning, imaginative play, and freedom within a safe and supervised setting. Conveniently located within walking distance from Turnham Green station (District Line) and Acton Central (Overground), we are also close to frequent bus routes connecting Shepherd's Bush and Ealing (routes 207, 607, etc.). We offer complimentary lunches for our children and provide extra classes such as music and Spanish lessons. Our nursery features age‑specific rooms, a secure garden, and a play area that promote holistic development based on the EYFS framework, seamlessly blended with the Montessori concept of fostering independence and well‑rounded growth for children.

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 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!