Chef

Busy Bees Nurseries; Wigston Parva; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Bee Curious curriculum

BBC Children in Need partnership

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Pension access

Private Medical Insurance

Hive wellbeing platform

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in Wigston Parva is seeking a Chef to join our busy kitchen team. You will prepare healthy meals for young children and uphold high standards of food safety and hygiene.

We offer a nurturing environment with opportunities for professional development and exposure to our Bee Curious curriculum. The role supports work-life balance with community-focused values at the heart of Busy Bees.

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

Catering experience

Empathy

Job description

Chef

Date Posted: 2026-10-01T02:50:35

Location: Wigston Parva, Leicestershire, GB, LE10 3

Contract Type: Any

Closing Date: 2026-10-29T16:30:50.087

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.
• 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 South Wigston is rated "Good" by Ofsted and has a capacity of 75 children. Located in the heart of South Wigston, our nursery is a converted two-storey building set back in a quiet area, boasting a large outdoor space for children to explore. We offer three base rooms tailored to different ages and stages of development, each featuring its own separate dining room that doubles as a craft room, providing ample opportunities for learning and creativity. Conveniently situated close to South Wigston train station and just five miles from Leicester city centre, our nursery is also within striking distance of Fosse Park and the M1/M69 motorways. We provide free parking for staff.

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)
• Access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub
• Celebrating You section showcasing recognition and rewards
• Grow with Us area highlighting development opportunities and training

Role Responsibilities: 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.

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 café,