Childcare centre cook/chef

Whispering Gully Childcare; Warwick; On-site; AUD 33,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Above award pay classification

Family-friendly daytime hours: 7:30am-

Supportive, close-knit team

Job summary

Whispering Gully Childcare Centre in Warwick seeks a passionate Cook/Chef to plan and prepare nutritious meals for 75–130 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. You’ll create mealtimes that feel calm and welcoming while supporting healthy eating and exploration of new foods.

Experience as a cook/chef in childcare or related settings is valued; a Food Safety Supervisor certificate (or willingness to obtain one) is required, along with a Queensland Blue Card and basic First Aid training.

Qualifications

• Experience as a cook or chef in childcare, aged care, school or hospital kitchens is a bonus.
• Food Safety Supervisor certificate or willingness to obtain one.
• Current Queensland Blue Card or eligibility to apply.
• First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis & Asthma training or willingness to complete it.
• Strong knowledge of allergy management and safe food handling.
• Good organization and the ability to work on your own; a love of cooking for children.

Responsibilities

• Plan and cook a rotating seasonal menu for 75–130 children.
• Safely manage allergies and dietary requirements with educators and families.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Order stock, manage the budget and keep food waste down.
• Keep records such as temperature logs, cleaning schedules and dietary charts.
• Participate in cooking experiences with children or share menus with families.

Skills

Cook/chef experience

Allergy management

Organization

Independent worker

Love for cooking for children

Education

Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Queensland Blue Card

First Aid & CPR & Anaphylaxis & Asthma training

Job description

About us

Whispering Gully Childcare Centre is a warm, community-focused early learning service in Warwick. Our practice draws on Steiner philosophy that is growing from a 75 place to 130 place service. We value rhythm, nature, sustainability and real connection with children, families and community. Food and mealtimes are an important part of that rhythm.

About the role

We’re looking for a passionate Cook/Chef to plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks for around 75-130 children aged 6 weeks-5 years each day. You’ll help create mealtimes that are calm and social, where children feel welcome to try new foods.

What you’ll do

• Plan and cook a rotating seasonal menu (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea) that follows the nutritional guidelines
• Safely manage allergies, intolerances, cultural and dietary requirements, working closely with educators and families
• Keep our kitchen at a high standard of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness, in line with the National Quality Standard
• Order stock, manage the budget, and keep food waste down (we love composting and garden-to-plate ideas!)
• Keep accurate records such as temperature logs, cleaning schedules and dietary charts
• Get involved in our program now and then, for example cooking experiences with the children or sharing menus with families

What we’re looking for

• Experience as a cook or chef. Experience in childcare, aged care, school or hospital kitchens is a bonus
• A Food Safety Supervisor certificate, or willingness to get one
• A current Queensland Blue Card, or eligibility to apply
• First Aid, CPR, and Anaphylaxis & Asthma training, or willingness to complete it
• Strong knowledge of allergy management and safe food handling
• Good organisation, the ability to work on your own, and a genuine love of cooking for children

What we offer

• Above award- pay classification
• Family-friendly daytime hours: 7:30am-2.45pm, Mon-Fri
• A supportive, close-knit team that values every role in the centre
• A chance to make a real difference to children’s health and wellbeing