Sick of working evenings, weekends, bank holidays and Christmas? All the best bits of being a chef, without the bad bits- read more below...
Location: GU51 (Fleet) | Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. We are open 51 weeks of the year.
Start: ASAP/ September 2026
About Us
KZAR Childcare Ltd is a family owned group of day nurseries located in the Hampshire area, with settings in Fleet, Hook and Bordon.
We have a passion for wholesome, nourishing and delicious food that fuels busy nursery days and inquisitive little minds. Our passion for food is reflected in our 5* Environmental Health food rating and Award of Excellence which we have held for many years. We are also committed to the Department for Educations Nutrition Guidance and obesity prevention goals.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Cook to join our team. Working alongside our existing Cook, you will help to prepare daily meals and snacks for up to 150 children in our large and well-equipped kitchen.
The kitchen has always been a hub within the nursery, with the team popping in for more than just food. With good music, gorgeous smells, air con in the summer and a happy chef team, it’s no wonder that it’s a hive of activity.
To see more about the nursery and why we’re so passionate, check out our website or Instagram pages: www.kzarchildcare.co.uk / @heath_house_day_nursery
Our Food
We take pride in providing fresh and interesting home-cooked meals and accommodating a variety of allergies, intolerances and cultural/ personal preferences. Our 4 week rolling menu provides a two-course lunch, hot tea with tasty side dish as well as 2 snacks throughout the day. You will also be required to put on picnic teas, party food and a Christmas Lunch for our events throughout the year and take part in our famous International Days every 4th Friday- giving you free reign to create a unique meal that celebrates the diversity of our staff and children.
We also run Cookery Club for our children which you are free to support with should you have an interest in getting stuck into nursery life.
Is this role for you?
The successful candidate will be competent, passionate about cooking and able to maintain high levels of hygiene within the kitchen. You will be able to work well with our existing chef and independently.
Optional but ideal: Cover at our other settings (all located within 30 minutes of Fleet) during Chef holiday/ absence.
This role requires the candidate to have a catering/ food related Level 2 or 3 qualification, a valid Food Hygiene Certificate, Allergen Awareness training and experience of cooking for young children and babies with the attention to detail and vigilance required to ensure top notch, healthy and safe mealtimes. Experience of managing an Environmental Health Inspection would be beneficial.
What We Offer
In return, we provide beautiful settings to work in, a large and well-equipped commercial kitchen, a welcoming team and a formal benefits package including high street discounts, service awards and much more. All initial interviews will be done on a rolling basis, with visits taking place for successful candidates to see the kitchen and meet the nursery team!
- 24 days of Annual Leave per year + bank holidays
- Discounted Childcare spaces
- Attendance award bonuses which sees colleagues add £££ to their basic salary.
- Paid day off for your Birthday!
- Your health at your fingertips- 24/7 access to private doctors appointments at times to suit YOU and prescriptions delivered to your door. This can be extended to cover the whole family.
- A discount platform covering all of life's needs- from supermarket discounts, gym membership, restaurants, shopping, days out, holidays and much more.
- 24/7 access to confidential qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, as well as structured sessions to support you through a range of personal/ family/ legal/ mental health issues.
- Ability to book holiday up to 18 months in advance
- Employee of the month cash bonuses
- A supportive and Mental Health First Aid trained management team.
- Employee Referral Scheme
- End of Year Awards and Christmas Party
- Unlimited access to professional development training courses.
- Opportunities for internal progression across all our settings.
- Free uniform
- We pay the cost of your DBS
- and much much more!
If you are looking for a role where you can cook with pride, feel valued and enjoy a healthy work-life balance, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Pay: £13.50-£14.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- What is the largest number you have catered for?
- Do you have strong experience of working with allergies and providing meals for babies and young children?
- when would you be able to start?
Work Location: In person
