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. You’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.
Charitable Commitment
Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.
About Our Nursery
Our Darlington nursery has an Ofsted rating of Good, a capacity of 88, and a dedicated team focused on the children. The nursery is purpose-built with large gardens for outdoor exploration and play, located in the Cockerton area, near the A1.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Ongoing professional development and career progression
* Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across 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
* Peppy menopause support
* Salary Finance financial support
* Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Access to pension through Cushon
* Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
We also offer access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, with a wide range of discounts and a Wellbeing Hub to support health and development. A Celebrating You section recognises and rewards our team, with opportunities for growth through our Grow with Us program.
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
* Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
* Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
* Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
Industries
* Technology, Information and Internet
If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and have experience as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or managing a cafe, apply now!
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