Centre Cook

Goodstart Early Learning; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 43,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

50% childcare gap-fee discount

Wellbeing days

Paid professional development

Fitness Passport

Uniform allowance

Employee referral program

Job summary

Goodstart Highfields is seeking a Centre Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children at the Highfields centre. You will contribute to healthy eating outcomes and collaborate with the childcare team to design menus and manage dietary needs in a busy early learning environment.

The part-time position offers a 5.5 hour roster (8:00–13:30) with competitive pay above award, superannuation, and staff benefits including childcare gap-fee discounts and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting.
• Current QLD Working with Children Check.
• Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies.
• Plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director.
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic.
• Work a part time roster of 5.5 hours per week, 8am - 1:30 pm.

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Working with Children Check (QLD)

National Child Safety Foundation Training (Geccko platform)

Job description

Role: Centre Cook
Location: 7 Gladswood Drive, Highfields, 4352, QLD
Centre: Goodstart Highfields
Employment Type: Permanent Part time, 27.5 hours per week
Pay Rate: $31.36 - $35.44 (based on experience and qualification) + Superannuation + Benefits

• Delight little customers with big appetites – provide delicious meals and influence the nutritional outcomes of Australian children
• Competitive pay – at least 5% above award
• Get 50% discount off your childcare gap fees

As a Cook at Goodstart, you'll create delicious, healthy meals that fuel young minds and bodies, becoming a cherished part of our community. Your passion for food and commitment to quality will play a crucial role in shaping the daily experiences of the children in our care.

In This Role, You Will

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies
• Use your creativity and organisational skills to plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic
• Work a part time roster of 5.5 hours per week, 8am - 1:30 pm

About Goodstart Highfields

• 75-place centre with a warm, country feel, away from the city hustle.
• Five-room centre featuring three large playgrounds and regular bush kindy experiences.
• On-site orchard where children and Educators can explore and collect fruit.
• Supported by an experienced, long-standing leadership team.
• Relationship-focused culture that fosters a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Led by a Centre Director with 27 years of childcare experience and a passion for mentoring teams.
• Diverse and inclusive team representing cultures from the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, and India.
• Committed to creating a sense of belonging, respect, and high-quality care and education.

WhatGoodstart Can Offer You

• We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates
• 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
• Paid professional development
• Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
• Retail discounts on insurance, travel and technology
• Uniform allowance and employee referral program

You’ll Need

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting
• Current QLD Working with Children Check
• Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check along with Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform.