Centre Cook

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

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award pay

Childcare fee discount

Fitness program access

Paid professional development

Wellbeing days

Parental leave

Job summary

Goodstart Toowoomba - Spring Street is hiring a Centre Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children, accommodating dietary needs while maintaining safety and quality. The role involves menu planning, stock ordering, and collaboration with the Centre Director in a child-focused environment.

The position is permanent part-time (25 hours/week) with above-award pay, staff benefits, and flexible shifts. Relevant cookery qualification and a Working with Children Check are required.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or childcare cooking experience.
• Current QLD Working with Children Check.
• Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training (Geccko).

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals that meet dietary requirements and allergies; ensure safety.
• Plan menus and order food supplies with Centre Director.
• Maintain high standards of food safety in storage, handling and prep.
• Work a part-time roster of 5 hours per day.

Skills

Food safety

Menu planning

Allergen awareness

Stock management

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Working with Children Check (QLD)

National Child Safety Foundation Training (Geccko)

Job description

Role: Centre Cook

Location: 332 Spring Street, Toowoomba, 4350, QLD

Centre: Goodstart Toowoomba - Spring Street

Employment Type: Permanent, Part time, 25 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 hours per day

About Goodstart Toowoomba Spring Street

• 69-place centre with a charming, country home ambiance
• Homelike environment with natural indoor and outdoor play spaces - bush garden and chickens on-site
• Long‑standing team, with most educators employed for 8+ years (some up to 16 years)
• Cozy staffroom with candy bar, coffee machine, and neck massagers
• Fortnightly visits from a Cultural First Nations Mentor

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.

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/5dpfWO0fMAw